Forehand push

Hi PingSkills Coaches,

I am quite good on my backhand push - but for some strange reason, my forehand is absolutely atrocious. I have watched the video on 'pushing' but it doesn't help in terms of technique. I guess everyone has a weakness and mine is probably that (…and backhand topspin, match tac tics, returning/reading serves etc etc etc) - but I want to know if there is a way of improving my technique on this very important part of the game.

Cheers, Khuong

PS Love your master class! 

Hi Khuong,

Glad you like the Master Classes.  Sounds like we will have to do one on the forehand push.

The forehand push is one of those strokes that can be really difficult to master because of its awkwardness.  I find the simpler you make it the better it gets.

Think first about just using your fingers and wrist to make the stroke. See if you can keep the elbow particularly still.  So get your nose close to the ball, then see if you can only use your fingers.  I find the floating elbow to be the biggest mistake.

Today when I was coaching I found that getting the player to push their wrist forward helped to get the ball straight.  So get the wrist into position and then make the stroke with your hand. 

Anyway keep at it and see if you can simplify the stroke and improve it.