The Classical Forehand

Second only to the serve, the forehand drive is the most potent weapon a player can develop. A powerful forehand can be put in
play more often than the backhand drive because it is easy and natural for a player to run around his backhand and hit a forehand.

It appears that the classical forehand disappeared from the modern tennis scene some time ago, although Sampras, Becker, and
Stitch all incorporated some of its elements. In the pure form of such masters as Ellsworth Vines, Don Budge, Jack Kramer, and
Pancho Gonzalez, the classic forehand was an unsurpassed powerful and flexible weapon. As a model, it is also far better suited for
recreational and lower level competitive players because of its simplicity.

For the first time on the web, you can study the elements of the greatest classical forehands in tennis history.

The Grip

The classic drive is hit with the Eastern grip which is created by holding the racket in your non-playing hand, so that the racket face is perpendicular to the court surface. Now “shake hands” with the racket handle with your playing hand. The bottom of the “V” formed by your forefinger and thumb should point directly…