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Out and around, NOT up and down ..... that's the mantra of the correct forehand stroke. Most players keep the ball too close to themselves, thus cutting the distance down between them and the ball. Just as the baseball player wants to hit the ball at full extension, so does the racquetball player.

Grip: The proper grip of the forehand is to have your hand on the racquet at 2 o'clock (lefties reverse this). This allows the racquet head to be flat at the point of impact. If you do not have this grip, you would have to rotate your wrist to meet the ball flat. The only other alternative with another grip is to alter your swing. Ah, there's the problem, altering your swing or footwork. Instead of that, hit out and around.

Forearm Flexion: To hit a good forehand you need to extend your arm and form the letter U with your racquet, elbow and upper arm. This allows you to "snap" your forearm and wrist, increasing racquet head speed. Remember, you hit harder with a whip than you do with a board.

Practice the Drop & Hit: Go near the side wall at the receiving line (that's the dotted jobbie behind the short line) and practice forehands. Tip: Don't move your feet so you can work on balance. Hold your pose after you hit harder so your weight will be evenly distributed.

Set-up & Hit: Tap the ball to yourself and kill it on one bounce off the front wall. This gives you practice moving to the ball, and maintaining proper footfork.

Advanced Pinch Drill: Pinch tothe front right corner with your forehand and work on moving your feet to put your body in the proper position to accomplish this drill.

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