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How to hit a Forehand / Step 1

Pivot and Shoulder Turn (PST)

The pivot and the shoulder turn is the first step of the forehand and it is a critically important step to master when learning how to hit the shot. The point of this step is to turn your body sideways BEFORE you start to take the tennis racket back with your hitting arm.

How To :

1. Pivot with your outside foot and get the heel of your inside foot up. Your outside foot is on the same side as your hitting arm. For example, if you are right handed your right foot is your outside foot. Your inside foot is your other foot -- the one opposite your hitting arm.

2. Transfer your weight to your outside foot.

3. Turn your shoulders sideways.

4. Keep both hands on the tennis racket.

Figure 1: Frank pivoting and turning his shoulders

Coming out of the split step, Frank pivots with his outside foot, transfers his weight to that foot and turns his shoulders sideways. The footwork opens up his hips, allowing him to more easily turn his upper body. Both hands stay on the racket. The only thing that does not move much is Frank's head because he is watching the tennis ball.

Notice that when Frank turns his shoulders, the tennis racket starts to come back because the shoulders are turning sideways even though the arms are not doing anything. Your hitting arm will get involved in taking the tennis racket back later on, but during the pivot and shoulder turn your arms are simply along for the ride.

It's important to pivot and turn your shoulders as soon as you realize you are hitting a forehand. One reason for this is that early preparation increases the chance you will hit the ball with correct technique. You won't be rushed and your technique won't break down because you are trying to "catch up" to a hard-hit ball. Another reason is that the pivot and shoulder turn allows you to move to the ball as fast as possible. Turning your body sideways lets you run laterally.

Common Errors when learning how to hit a forehand:

Letting go of the tennis racket with your other hand.

Letting go of the tennis racket during the pivot and shoulder turn can have several negative consequences. First, it could prevent you from turning completely sideways if your other arm drifts into the court. Second, it can throw off your rhythm and timing by making your backswing inconsistent. Think of it this way: if you are always letting go of the racket with your other hand at different points during your preparation, how can your backswing be consistent?

Using your arms to take the racket back.

This also has the effect of making your backswing inconsistent. Unfortunately, the all-to-common incorrect advice “get your tennis racket back early“ causes many club-level players to commit this error. When you start your motion, focus on using the pivot and shoulder turn to get your body turning sideways, which will naturally begin to move the racket back without the help of your arms.

Read Forehand Step 2 »