How do I hit a flat forehand?

[ogruskie]

My inability to hit a decent flat forehand showed my truly how much I rely on topspin (semi-western grip). I noticed that a lot of pros such as Davydenko and Djokovic would hit high balls with an extremely flat stroke, often resulting in a winner. I think this would be a wonderful stroke to us when I have a ball at shoulder-level, because I could easily produce a winner. However, my loopy topspin technique will result in the ball going into the net or way long.

When I attempt to hit flat, my racquet face is completely perpendicular to the ground, and I make a horizontal stroke (not the usual low-to-high). This would result in the ball going completely horizontal and out, rather than DOWN at a sharp angle.

Could someone point me in the right direction on how to hit a flat forehand with a SW grip? Thanks.

 

[Solat]

you need to lengthen out your swing through contact rather then accelerate upwards

if you want to attack a high ball then you need to level out your backswing so you are not swinging so low to high, but you still need to come over the ball to stop it going long

 

[RakettoKozou]

It's impossible to hit a completely flat forehand (and have it be a winner) against good players. You still need to go from down-up and hit it square, but instead of brushing up on the ball, just hit it through. Maybe even close up the face a bit.

 

[wyutani]

avoid hitting low to high. hit the racquet face STRAIGHT at the ball.

 

[[d]ragon]

you need to lengthen out your swing through contact rather then accelerate upwards

if you want to attack a high ball then you need to level out your backswing so you are not swinging so low to high, but you still need to come over the ball to stop it going long

yup. you dont need to hav the stringbed perpendicular to the court and you can still hit low to high. its just that you dont brush the ball, only smack it. even though its called a flat shot, it still needs some topspin to keep it in

 

[aptennis91]

put your body into the shot a lot and go over the ball..