The forehand stroke is one of the most common tennis shots. It is spelled /ˈfɔː(r).hænd/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound ɔː, as in "saw." The second syllable has the consonant sound h followed by the vowel sound æ, as in "hand." The word "forehand" is derived from the old English "fore" meaning "before" or "in front" and "hand" meaning "the part of the body at the end of the arm."
The forehand stroke, also known as the forehand shot, is a fundamental technique in various racket sports such as tennis, table tennis, and badminton. It is performed by a player hitting the ball or shuttlecock with the dominant hand, which is positioned on the same side as the hand the player predominantly writes with.
In tennis, the forehand stroke is executed by swinging the racket across the player's body from the backhand side to the forehand side, making contact with the ball in front of the body. The player uses a combination of wrist, arm, and torso rotation to generate power and control the direction of the shot. The forehand stroke is usually performed with an open stance, allowing the player to engage their entire body in the shot.
Similarly, in table tennis, the forehand stroke is when a player hits the ball with the dominant hand using their racket. The stroke involves a quick and controlled movement, with the player aiming to strike the ball on its front side.
In badminton, the forehand stroke refers to hitting the shuttlecock with the palm of the dominant hand while holding the racket. Players use a fluid and swift motion, combining the rotation of the shoulder, arm, and wrist to deliver power and accuracy to the shot.
Overall, the forehand stroke is a primary offensive shot in racket sports, allowing a player to effectively return the ball or shuttlecock with power, accuracy, and spin. Mastery of the forehand stroke is crucial for players to achieve control, strategy, and success in these sports.
The word "forehand" in the term "forehand stroke" has its origin in Old English. The word "fore" comes from the Middle English "fore" or "for", which means "in front of" or "forward". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "fura" and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root "*pr̥-", meaning "before" or "in front".
The word "hand" in "forehand" comes from Old English "hond", which is related to the Old High German "hant" and the Gothic "handus". The term "forehand" is believed to have been used in the context of activities performed by the hand located in front of the body or in a forward motion.