	DRILLS
	NET POSITIONING
	FOREHAND STROKE
	BLITZING
	CLOSE TO NET
	RUN DOWN LOBS
	WHEN TO DRIVE
	SUMMER TRANSITION
	OVERHEADS
	DISGUISE COMBINATION
	DEUCE COURT PLAYER
	WATERFALL OVERHAD
	PLAYING IN THE ELEMENTS
	LOB TO THE LIGHTS
	WHO'S ON OFFENSE?
	SPEED OF PLAY?
	DROP SHOT
	TOP SPIN
	SPIN OVERHEAD

Tips

The Forehand Stroke - Michael Gillespie Platform Tennis Magazine - May 2000 There are two different types of forehand drives. The drive off of a serve or overhead, and the drive off of a volley. These drives have different contact points and, therefore, require different preparation and follow-through's. Both drives are also hit with topspin, which holds the ball on the paddle longer and makes the ball dip. I am more interested in placement than power. A semi-western grip allows the racquet head to come over the ball naturally. I am looking for clearance of one foot over the net. Anything less and I risk sending the ball into the net, one thing you never want to do.


Pict #1: I am positioning for a return of serve. My object is to strike the ball early with topspin so that my opponent is forced to volley below the net. My paddle face is closed and chest high, anticipating a high ball (especially in warm weather). Keeping my left hand on the paddle throat ensures a proper shoulder turn. My stance is somewhat open to avoid being jammed by the serve. Pict #2: By the time the serve bounces in the service box, I have anchored my weight on my back foot and have set up with my palm facing downward. My left hand is extended outward to keep me balanced and turned. Otherwise, I would tend to slap at the ball, rather than stroking it.	Pict #3: My weight has been transferred ahead to my left foot and my paddle has brushed up the back of the ball. My contact point is chest high and slightly ahead of my foot. In order to make the ball dip at the server's feet, my paddle face fans across my body, imparting more topspin. Pict #4: I have cleared my left hand so that my hips and shoulders can rotate. My weight is fully on my left foot and my right heel should be up. My right shoulder hits my chin and my paddle finishes across my body. Notice how my right elbow is higher than my paddle and the hitting side of the paddle is still visible.

Pict #1: My paddle is waist high because my opponent is hitting a volley. My grip is again semi-western. My objective here is to pick spots. I am trying to find a chink in my opponent's armor. Since I am hitting a lower-bouncing ball, I have to be careful not to hit the ball with too much speed. A well-placed drive hit two-thirds speed with topspin is the smart choice. Pict #2: My left hand is out for balance and my weight is set on the inside of my right foot. My paddle face is closed and is positioned between my waist and knees. This all happens before the ball bounces on my side.	Pict #3: My left hand has just cleared so that the right side of my body can rotate. My contact point is waist high and just ahead of my left foot. I have dropped my paddle head six inches below the ball in order to brush up the back. Right after contact the top edge of my paddle travels up toward my left shoulder. Pict #4: Nice form. My right shoulder rotates to my chin. My paddle finishes into my left hand right over from my left shoulder. I am back into the ready position more quickly having my paddle finish into my left hand. I'm not trying to end the point. I'm trying to set up my next shot, hoping my opponent volleys short of the service line.

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