Many of you have heard about the open stanced forehand. If you watch pro tennis live or on TV, you will see virtually all the pros hitting open stance fore hands. They utilize this technique every chance they get. Some of you have tried this technique, without supervision, and found your forehand sailing out of control! Back to the old forehand in a heartbeat. Most teaching pros still teach the traditional cross-step forehand, (stepping into the shot with your front leg) at least to adults. Yet the open stance has taken over the junior, college and pro game. A few tips on how to attempt this new-wave shot.

….First and foremost, turn your shoulders sideways. Do this before you run to the ball. Most people make the mistake of thinking open stance means to hit completely open. The phrase “open stance” refers to your legs (your stance), not your upper body

….Take your racquet back a bit higher. Shoulder height is good.

…..Your last running step should be taken with your back leg. If you are right handed, this would be your right leg. Try to allign this leg up close to the tennis ball.

…..Once you plant this leg, bend your knee (sound familiar?) and put your weight on this leg. Do not move your back leg. Keep it still. If all your weight is on this leg, you can’t move it! That is good.

……Begin your swing by dropping your racquet underneath the ball to create a low to high trajectory. At the same time, your weight should begin to transfer off your back leg into the shot. As you meet the ball you can really rotate your right hip into the ball for explosive power. Because the left side of your body (assuming you are right handed) is not in your way, you should be able to generate lots of racquet speed and power. Explode into the ball as they say. Your contact point will be further back than the traditional step forehand, giving you more time to set up for your shot.

This is a fun shot once you get a feel for the ball. If you try the above and are still hitting the curtain, call your local tennis pro. We will be posting monthly tips on our site the 1st week of each month. We will also field any questions you might have. Simply write your question in the comment column. We will post it and then answer it as next month’s pro tip.