Forehand facts for kids

Ana Ivanovic finishing a forehand stroke

The forehand in tennis is a shot made by swinging the racquet across one's body in the direction of where the player wants to place the shot. For a right-handed player, the forehand is a stroke that begins on the right side of his body, continues across his body as contact is made with the ball, and ends on the left side of his body. It is considered the easiest shot to master, perhaps because it is the most natural stroke. Beginners and advanced players often have better forehands than any other shots and use it as a weapon.

Images for kids

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  Roger Federer prepares to hit a forehand.

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  Moment after Rafael Nadal hitting a left-handed forehand at the 2010 US Open.

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  Serena Williams preparing to hit a forehand.