How do I improve my forehand on my own?

Shadow swings, drop-feed drills to a target and wall rallies all work without a partner. The forehand videos here include a full solo session.

What is the best drill for backhand consistency?

Crosscourt backhand rallies with a depth target. Crosscourt gives you the most court to aim at, and a depth target keeps you swinging through the ball.

Forehand & Backhand Drills

7 drill videos

Depth, direction and consistency from the baseline.

Steps & tips ▾

How to do it

Shadow swings. Start with ten slow shadow swings on each side, checking your turn, contact point and finish.
Drop-feed reps. Drop a ball beside you and hit it to a target, building a clean, repeatable stroke.
Depth drill. Rally and aim every ball past the service line. Count how many land deep in a row.
Direction drill. Hit two crosscourt and one down the line, repeating the pattern on both sides.
Movement drill. Have a partner or machine feed side to side so you hit on the move and recover after every shot.

Key tips

Prepare early: turn your shoulders as soon as you see which side the ball is coming to.
Use net clearance as a safety margin, aiming three to five feet over the net on rally balls.
Work one side at a time before mixing forehands and backhands.
Finish every swing fully, even in drills.

FAQ

How do I improve my forehand on my own?: Shadow swings, drop-feed drills to a target and wall rallies all work without a partner. The forehand videos here include a full solo session.
What is the best drill for backhand consistency?: Crosscourt backhand rallies with a depth target. Crosscourt gives you the most court to aim at, and a depth target keeps you swinging through the ball.