# The Forehand and Backhand · Tennis Level 3: Pre-Intermediate

Tennis · Level 3: Pre-Intermediate · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/tennis/level-3/the-forehand-and-backhand/)

The Forehand and Backhand in Tennis (Level 3: Pre-Intermediate) on Insporta: 40 sourced facts behind 4 tests. Covers: stances for groundstrokes; and more.

Groundstroke stances, the unit turn, contact and follow-through, and the one-handed and two-handed backhand.

## Test 1: Stances for groundstrokes

- Coaches describe the position of the feet as open, semi-open, neutral or closed. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- An open stance faces the net more, with both feet roughly parallel to it. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Neutral means the feet are perpendicular to the net, with the front foot stepping into the ball. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Facing the net more helps a player recover quickly from big or wide balls. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A player can step into the ball from a neutral stance, which suits short balls. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A semi-open stance sits halfway between open and neutral. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A closed stance turns the feet beyond a right angle, so the hips have to rotate a long way. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- The feet rotate from facing the net, through diagonal, to sideways and beyond. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A player reads the ball, turns, sets the feet and then swings. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Feet at about 45 degrees to the net describe the semi-open stance. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))

## Test 2: The unit turn

- A unit turn moves the body and racket back as one piece. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- An early turn gives time to set up for the swing. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Early preparation means the racket is ready before the ball arrives. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- The free hand supports the racket at the throat to start the backswing. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- The shoulders rotate so the chest turns to face the side fence rather than the net. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Without the body turn the arm does all the work and the stroke gets cramped. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- The shoulders and hips turn with the racket, so the stroke is powered by the body and not just the arm. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A player reads the ball, turns, takes the racket back and moves into place. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- The shoulders rotate from facing the net to a full sideways turn. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Turning the shoulders and hips together is the unit turn. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))

## Test 3: Contact and follow-through

- A complete follow-through finishes high, near the opposite shoulder. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A full finish prevents decelerating just before contact. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- The racket keeps travelling towards the target after meeting the ball. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Swinging up and finishing high brushes the ball and adds forward spin. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A stop at contact breaks the flow and weakens the shot. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A compact swing is used when time is short, such as against a fast ball. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A higher finish lifts the ball and brings the height over the net. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- The loop runs back, down, up through the ball and finishes high. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A volley is the shortest swing and a full forehand the longest. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- The movement after contact is the follow-through. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))

## Test 4: One-handed and two-handed backhands

- The dominant hand stays lower and the other hand sits above it. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Two hands give a firmer racket, especially against pace and height. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- One hand gives extra reach and flexible access to slice and volleys. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Two hands give young players more control with a light racket. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Most players slice with one hand, which gives easy changes of height and pace. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Holding with two hands shortens the reach. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A single hand struggles to control high, heavy balls. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Reach grows as the hands and the arm extend. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A learner moves from the grip to shadow swings, fed balls and a rally. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Two hands on the handle point to a two-handed groundstroke, most often the backhand. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))

Sources: ITF coach-education materials, ITF Coaching & Sport Science Review, federation curricula, general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered ITF rules belong to the Rules category.

Take the tests: https://insporta.app/try?utm_source=book&utm_medium=referral