Top 10 Drills for Improving Forehand Consistency in Intermediate Players
Written by MEETennis, 1st of December 2024
The forehand is a crucial weapon in any tennis player's arsenal, but consistency is what separates a good forehand from a great one. For intermediate players, mastering forehand consistency is a key milestone on the journey to becoming a more complete player. Below, we outline ten effective drills to help players build confidence, accuracy, and reliability in their forehand.
1. Cross-Court Forehand Rally
Partner up and rally cross-court forehands. Focus on maintaining depth and direction while keeping the ball in play for as long as possible. This drill emphasizes consistency and control over power.
Example: Use a cone or a target in the deep cross-court corner to challenge players to aim consistently in that area.
Tip: Encourage players to count how many shots they can hit without missing. Use this to track improvement over time.
2. Down-the-Line Accuracy Challenge
Set up targets along the baseline and aim to hit consistent down-the-line forehands. This improves directional control and helps players stay consistent under pressure.
Example: Place water bottles or cones on the baseline as targets to make the drill more engaging.
Anecdote: Professional players often focus on this drill to build confidence in their ability to change direction effectively during matches.
3. Two-Ball Forehand Drill
The coach feeds two balls in quick succession to the player’s forehand side. The player must recover quickly and hit consistent, balanced shots. This drill improves footwork and shot preparation.
Example: Adjust the speed of feeds based on the player's level to keep the drill challenging but achievable.
Tip: Encourage players to split-step after each shot to improve balance and recovery.
4. Baseline to Service Line Drill
Alternate hitting forehands from the baseline and service line. This encourages players to adjust their swing and power based on positioning and ball height.
Example: Use different ball heights to simulate match-like scenarios and encourage adaptability.
Anecdote: Many coaches use this drill to teach players how to transition effectively between defensive and offensive positions.
5. Forehand Ladder Drill
Place cones in a straight line extending toward the net. Hit forehands, aiming to land the ball progressively closer to each cone. This drill teaches touch and control.
Example: Color-code the cones to indicate different levels of difficulty, starting from the farthest one.
Tip: Emphasize light grip pressure for better control on shorter targets.
6. Inside-Out Forehand Target Practice
Practice hitting inside-out forehands to a designated target in the backhand corner. This improves offensive play and consistency from the forehand wing.
Example: Use a court diagram to show players where their shots should land and explain how this can be a weapon in matches.
Anecdote: Players like Rafael Nadal have perfected the inside-out forehand to dominate points from the baseline.
7. Forehand Volley and Groundstroke Combo
Combine forehand volleys with baseline forehands. Alternate between the two shot types to develop versatility and control over different forehand variations.
Example: Create a mini-game where players earn points for clean volleys and well-placed groundstrokes.
Tip: Focus on a smooth transition between volleys and groundstrokes to simulate net approaches.
8. Live Point Play with Forehand Focus
Play a series of points where the forehand must be used on all open shots. This simulates match conditions and emphasizes decision-making and consistency under pressure.
Example: Add a scoring bonus for every rally finished with a forehand winner to motivate players.
Anecdote: During training, Serena Williams has used similar scenarios to build confidence in her forehand during high-pressure points.
9. Forehand Spin Control Drill
Focus on hitting forehands with varying levels of topspin. Challenge players to maintain consistency while experimenting with spin to adjust the ball’s trajectory and depth.
Example: Use a ball machine to feed balls with different spins and ask players to adjust their response accordingly.
Tip: Teach players how to modify their follow-through to increase or decrease topspin effectively.
10. Shadow Swing Forehand Routine
Practice shadow swings without the ball to refine stroke mechanics. Use a mirror or video feedback to identify and correct any inconsistencies in form.
Example: Combine shadow swings with visualization techniques where players imagine hitting specific targets.
Anecdote: Professional players often use shadow swings to maintain there stroke efficiency during practice breaks.
Conclusion
Consistency doesn’t happen overnight, but with structured practice and targeted drills, intermediate players can transform their forehands into reliable, match-winning shots. Incorporate these drills into your training sessions, and watch your players’ confidence and consistency soar!
Resources
Find Free Resources for tennis coaches to go the next level! 🚀 🏆
👉 Coaches Resources
👉 Blog Posts