The forehand is the backbone of most tennis players’ games. But what separates a good forehand from a truly dominant one? It’s not just the swing or the contact point, but the forehand follow-through.
Without the right forehand follow-through, your shots lose power, accuracy, and consistency. If you’ve ever felt like your forehand falls apart under pressure or lacks the depth to push opponents back, mastering your follow-through is the solution.
Why the Forehand Follow-Through Matters
The follow-through is more than just a finishing motion, it dictates the quality of your shot. A proper follow-through ensures:
- Controlled Power: Energy flows through the ball rather than being wasted mid-swing.
- Consistent Accuracy: The direction of your follow-through impacts where the ball lands.
- Injury Prevention: An abrupt or incomplete follow-through can put strain on your arm and shoulder.
- Adaptability: A well-practised follow-through allows for adjustments based on shot selection and opponent positioning.
Most amateur players focus heavily on grip, stance, and swing path, but neglect how they finish their stroke. This oversight leads to shots that lack depth, spin, and reliability.
Common forehand follow-through mistakes holding you back
Many club players struggle with forehand follow-through due to habits that develop over time. If you’re guilty of any of the following, it’s time to refine your technique:
Stopping the swing too early
A short, abrupt finish kills your shot’s momentum and reduces power. Instead of letting the racket flow naturally, some players tighten up and stop their stroke just after contact. This leads to weak, inconsistent shots that your opponent can easily attack.
Rotating the upper body too much
While rotation is key to generating power, excessive movement can throw off balance and shot precision. A controlled rotation with a balanced finish allows for recovery and readiness for the next shot.
Incorrect wrist positioning
A floppy or stiff wrist at follow-through affects spin and control. The wrist should naturally pronate (rotate outward) after contact, guiding the ball’s trajectory and spin.
Lack of forehand follow-through variations
Different shots require different follow-throughs. A rally ball, a topspin-heavy shot, and an aggressive drive all demand slight variations in finish position. Using the same forehand follow-through for every forehand limits your game’s versatility.
Three main types of forehand follow-through
Depending on the shot type, you’ll need to adjust your follow-through. Here are the key variations:
#1 Traditional wrap around
Best for: Standard rally shots, controlled baseline play:
- The racket follows through over your non-dominant shoulder
- Your hitting elbow remains high
- Ensures depth and consistency in rally exchanges.
#2 Windshield-wiper finish
Best for: Heavy topspin shots, defensive looping balls:
- The racket swings across your body in a windshield-wiper motion
- Ideal for generating extreme topspin and pushing opponents back
- Helps with shots that need extra net clearance.
#3 The extended follow-through (straight-arm finish)
Best for: Aggressive, flatter shots:
- The racket extends outward toward the target before finishing around the waist.
- Generates penetrating pace with less spin.
- Ideal for attacking weak replies and finishing points.
Develop an elite-level follow-through
Drill 1: Shadow swing repetitions
Practise slow-motion forehands with exaggerated follow-throughs. This builds muscle memory and helps reinforce a fluid motion.
Drill 2: Target hitting
Set up cones or visual targets on the court. Focus on finishing your follow-through towards your intended placement area.
Drill 3: Video analysis
Record yourself hitting forehands and compare your follow-through to professional players. Spot inconsistencies and refine your motion.
Drill 4: One-handed swing with a resistance band
Using a resistance band attached to a fence, practise your forehand swing one-handed. This forces proper extension and follow-through, strengthening the right muscles.
Relaxation and timing
Tension kills your forehand. If you grip the racket too tightly, your arm stiffens, disrupting your follow-through. The best players, from Roger Federer to Carlos Alcaraz, keep their hands loose and let the racket flow effortlessly through the ball.
Focus on:
- A loose grip to allow natural motion.
- Hitting through the ball, not to it.
- Breathing rhythmically to stay relaxed during your swing.
Elevate your forehand to raise your game
If your forehand isn’t winning you points, it’s likely your follow-through is holding you back. Small refinements can make a dramatic impact on your shot’s power, consistency, and depth.
By applying these techniques, you’ll develop a forehand that commands respect on the court.
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