The Tennis Forehand
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Phase 1 of 8 · Stance & split step
Ready Position & Split Step
The starting block of every shot. Without a proper base you will be late before the rally begins.
Phase tutorial · how to drill it
Common mistakes
- Standing flat-footed or upright — no preload, no quick first step.
- Holding the racquet too low or off to one side, costing prep time.
- No split step, or a split step that lands too late (after the ball is already coming).
- Locked knees and stiff body — power leaks before the swing even starts.
- Ball-watching tunnel vision — late read of direction, depth and spin.
Technique cues
- Athletic stance — feet just wider than shoulders, weight on balls of the feet.
- Knees flexed, hips loaded, body relaxed but ready to explode in any direction.
- Racquet held in front of body, throat supported by non-dominant hand, neutral (continental) grip waiting to switch.
- Eyes on the opponent's racquet and contact, not on the ball alone.
- Split step timed to land the instant the opponent makes contact.
Tip: use ← / → or number keys to walk through the phases.
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