How to Teach Your Child the Tennis Forehand: A Step-by-Step Parent’s Guide

Introduction: Why Start with the Forehand?

The forehand is often the very first tennis stroke children learn — and for good reason. It’s the most natural and instinctive shot for young players. It builds confidence, introduces coordination, and forms the foundation of future strokes. If your child is starting their tennis journey, learning the forehand is the ideal entry point.

At JUSS Tennis in Castlecrag, our beginner programs are designed around simple, fun forehand instruction that kids love. Whether you want to start practicing at home or enrol your child in lessons, this guide walks you through every step of the process.

Ready to get started? Book into our Term 3 kids’ program now — spots fill fast!

Understanding the Basics of the Forehand Stroke

Before you pick up a racquet, it helps to understand what makes up a good forehand. Here are the three key elements we teach kids at JUSS Tennis:

• Grip: We teach the Eastern forehand grip — where the base knuckle of the index finger rests on the third bevel of the racquet. This grip gives kids more control and comfort.
• Ready Position: Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and racquet in front of the body. This stance helps kids stay balanced and ready to move.
• Contact Point: Encourage kids to make contact with the ball out in front of their body, waist-high. That’s the sweet spot!

Step-by-Step: How to Teach the Forehand at Home

If you’d like to start teaching your child at home before their first lesson, try these fun and simple drills:

1. Shadow Swings: No ball needed! Have your child practice their swing motion in slow motion, focusing on turning their shoulders and finishing the stroke.
2. Bounce-Hit Drill: Drop a foam ball, let it bounce once, and have your child swing gently to hit it. Great for timing and contact point awareness.
3. Balloon Forehands: Blow up a balloon and let your child practice swinging through it. This adds fun and helps with hand-eye coordination without any pressure.

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[INSERT IMAGE of a child practicing a forehand swing with a coach's guidance]

Common Mistakes Kids Make (and How to Fix Them)

• Over-swinging: Kids often use too much power. We teach them to focus on control first, then power later.
• Wrong grip: It’s easy to hold the racquet like a hammer. Our coaches make small grip adjustments during each class to build proper form over time.
• Running while swinging: Movement is great — but timing matters. We teach kids to set their feet before hitting, using fun games that reward control.

Game-Based Forehand Drills We Use at JUSS Tennis

• Rally Builder: Pairs work together to keep a rally going. Each successful shot earns a point — teaching consistency and timing.
• Cone Target Smash: Forehands are used to aim at cones on the court. Kids cheer each other on and learn directional control.
• Mini Rally Tag: A fast-paced game that blends rallying with movement. Fun, energetic, and perfect for forehand repetition!

How Group Lessons Reinforce Forehand Fundamentals

At JUSS Tennis, our 1-hour group lessons are structured to balance skill-building with active play. During each class, players focus on one or two key areas, like grip or swing path, and then apply them in rally games and drills.

With small groups, coaches are able to correct form gently and provide individual support while still fostering a social and high-energy environment. Repetition through games is key to making the forehand second nature for kids.

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Flexible Lesson Options for Busy Families

We know family schedules can be hectic. That’s why JUSS Tennis offers multiple time slots throughout the week — including morning and after school classes — so you can find the best fit for your child.

If your child misses a group session, they’re welcome to attend a different class within the same week as a make-up. While we don’t offer credits for missed group lessons, this flexible make-up option gives families a fair and consistent way to stay on track.

Why Parents Love Our Castlecrag Tennis Environment

Set in the lush surroundings of Cortile Reserve, JUSS Tennis offers a peaceful, safe, and family-friendly environment for kids to learn and grow. Our courts are easy to access, close to local schools, and designed with child safety in mind.

Parents often mention how their children feel welcomed and relaxed from day one. With a strong focus on kindness, encouragement, and positive reinforcement, our coaching team makes every child feel like they belong.

When to Move from Forehand to Backhand & Serve

• Consistent contact with the ball
• Proper grip and stance during drills
• Ability to rally a few shots in a row

At JUSS Tennis, we introduce the backhand and serve gradually, ensuring every child feels confident with each new skill before progressing. Our term-based curriculum is designed to support steady, step-by-step improvement.

Final Tips for Parents Supporting Tennis at Home

• Celebrate effort over results: Praise their focus, listening, and improvement — not just wins.
• Keep it playful: Let them lead the play when practicing. Don’t turn it into a strict lesson.
• Practice in short bursts: 10 minutes of backyard fun is more effective than an hour of pressure.

Enrol Today: Let JUSS Tennis Do the Coaching

Learning the forehand is just the beginning. At JUSS Tennis, our 1-hour sessions offer expert guidance, fun drills, and a nurturing environment that helps your child thrive both on and off the court.

We’re currently taking enrolments for Term 3 — and spots are limited!

Click here to reserve your child’s place today and give them the gift of confidence, movement, and fun through tennis.

FAQs

1. How long are your kids’ group lessons?

Each session runs for 1 hour and includes skill-building activities and fun, game-based drills.

2. What happens if my child misses a class?

They’re welcome to attend another group session during the same week as a make-up. Please note that we do not offer credits for missed group classes.

3. Do you use age-appropriate equipment?

Yes, we use junior racquets and soft tennis balls that are easier to handle and safer for kids.

4. Where do classes take place?

All group and private tennis lessons are held at Cortile Reserve, Castlecrag — a convenient and family-friendly location.

5. Can parents stay and watch the lesson?

Absolutely! Parents are welcome to observe from the sideline or relax in the park while their child plays.