What is the difference between inside-out and inside-in?

Both are hit from the backhand side. Inside-out goes crosscourt into the opponent's backhand; inside-in goes down the line into their forehand side, usually as a surprise or to finish the point.

When should I run around my backhand?

When the ball is slow or central enough that you can get there with balance and still recover. Against deep, wide balls it is usually safer to hit the backhand.

How to Hit an Inside-Out Forehand

4 video lessons

Run around the backhand, set up early, and swing out to the opposite corner.

Quick answer & tips ▾

The inside-out forehand is a forehand hit from the backhand corner, sent crosscourt into your opponent's backhand. It lets you attack with your best shot and pin a weaker backhand.

The key is footwork. Move early with small side steps or a crossover so you finish with space between you and the ball, then swing slightly out and across so the ball travels to the opposite corner. Recover quickly, because you have left your forehand side open.

Key tips

Decide early and move around the ball before it arrives, not as it arrives.
Leave room between your body and the ball so you can swing freely.
Aim well inside the sideline; height and spin matter more than pace.
Recover toward the middle after the shot to cover the open court.

FAQ

What is the difference between inside-out and inside-in?: Both are hit from the backhand side. Inside-out goes crosscourt into the opponent's backhand; inside-in goes down the line into their forehand side, usually as a surprise or to finish the point.
When should I run around my backhand?: When the ball is slow or central enough that you can get there with balance and still recover. Against deep, wide balls it is usually safer to hit the backhand.