Definition

Noun: A powerful, straight shot in racket sports, executed from the side of the body that holds the racket (for a right-handed player, this is the right side). It is a fundamental offensive stroke.

Usage

The term "forehand drive" is used specifically in racket sports like tennis, badminton, and squash to describe a specific type of stroke. It emphasizes both the technique (forehand) and the intention (a driving, attacking shot).

Examples

• He won the point with a powerful forehand drive down the line.
• Her forehand drive is her most reliable weapon in tennis.
• The coach emphasized keeping the ball low with a flat forehand drive in squash.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Execution: The stroke involves a forward swing with the palm of the hand (the "forehand") facing the direction of the shot, transferring weight forward to generate power and direct the ball or shuttlecock straight and deep into the opponent's court.
• Strategic Use: A well-executed forehand drive is used to apply pressure, force an error, or set up a winning position. It is often contrasted with a "forehand slice" or a "forehand lob."

Variants and Related Words

• Forehand (noun/adjective): The more general term for any shot hit from that side of the body. A forehand drive is a type of forehand.
• Drive (noun): A shot hit with force and a relatively flat trajectory. Can be applied to both forehand and backhand strokes.
• Backhand drive (noun): The equivalent powerful shot executed from the opposite side of the body.

Synonyms

• Forehand winner (contextual synonym, if the shot wins the point)
• Hard forehand

Antonyms

• Forehand slice (a shot with backspin, usually slower and lower)
• Forehand lob (a high, defensive shot)
• Backhand drive (a powerful shot from the opposite side)

Related Phrases

• To hit a forehand drive: The action of executing this shot.
  • She can hit a forehand drive from anywhere on the baseline.
• To drive the ball forehand: A descriptive phrase for the action.
  • He prefers to drive the ball forehand rather than use spin.

Noun

1. (sports) hard straight return made on the forehand side (as in tennis or badminton or squash)