New: Tennis Directory — Top 10 academies, camps, resorts & getaways →
Play Ace Court — our free arcade tennis game →
Featured: Teo Davidov, the two-forehand phenom →
Join the Big Tennis newsletter — free weekly tips & news →

Heavy Ball Height Rally

Develop a high, heavy topspin forehand that lands deep.

ForehandIntermediate

Develop a high, heavy topspin forehand that lands deep.

  • Players2
  • Time12 min
  • EquipmentRope or string stretched about 3 ft above the net (optional), basket of balls

Setup: Optional: stretch a rope above the net between two poles. Players rally crosscourt from the baseline.

  1. Rally forehand crosscourt.
  2. Every ball must pass over the rope or a visualized height of 3 ft above the tape.
  3. Balls landing short of the service line lose a point.
  4. Play to 11, then switch sides.

Coaching cues

  • Low to high swing path
  • Brush up and through
  • Wrap the finish over the shoulder

Common mistakes

  • Flattening out under pressure
  • Opening the face, causing balls to fly long

Progression: Add a rule: after three heavy balls, the player may attack a short ball down the line.

Coach's note: Height and spin are the ingredients of safety. This drill shows players how much margin they really have.

Back to the Drill Library

Big Tennis
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.