My Favorite Groundstroke Pointers

Club players are more comfortable hitting groundstrokes than any other shots. Hitting from the baseline allows more time to react and adjust, and they are the shots more often practiced. Groundstoke mistakes are usually simple fundamental errors. Basics that you were taught in your first lesson still apply now that your game has progressed.

Early Preparation
An early preparation is critical to solid contact and good control. You cannot hit the ball cleanly if you are off balance and rushed. As soon as you see the direction of the ball, turn your shoulders sideways and take the racquet back perpendicular to the net. Move your shoulders, arm and racquet as a unit to keep your elbow and wrist under control. Do not delay because you are unsure if it is a forehand or a backhand. Just pick your favorite (probably a forehand) and move quickly out of the way. Remember, the earlier you prepare the more time you will have to set up your feet and start a smooth, controlled swing.

Solid Contact
It is important to contact the ball at waist height and out in front of the body. You aim with your hand, so at contact, point it toward your target and keep your wrist firm. Try to keep your arm and racquet level and the racquet face vertical. You want to create a straight but rising swing path to produce a centered hit with enough lift to clear the net.

The most common problem I see is a player with tight shoulders and a floppy arm. The power for the forehand and two-handed backhand is created by rotating the shoulders into the ball. They need to be completely relaxed so that they can start turning when the ball bounces. By starting early you will be facing the target at contact with your arm extended out in front of you.

Full Follow Through
The follow through is the most misunderstood part of the stroke. After all, if you have already hit the ball why should it even matter? But actually a good follow-through ensures a straight, smooth swing path, a centered hit, and much better ball control.

After contact, your arm and racquet should continue forward and upward. Your elbow should not bend down around your waist. Your shoulder should keep turning forward until it comes up under your chin. You want to get in the habit of pointing your arm and racquet toward the top of the front wall before your elbow bends a bit and takes the racquet further around. I have found that by concentrating on a more precise follow-through that it automatically straightens out the rest of the swing and creates better timing.

By incorporating these three pointers into your game the next time you play, you should have much more control and consistency. Remember to work the ball around the court more before trying for a winner, don’t go for too much too soon. Most mishits come from the tightening up that you get when trying too hard.