Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Sports) A return made with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke: A forehand stroke is a fundamental shot in racket sports where the player strikes the ball or shuttlecock with the racket hand's palm leading and facing forward, typically from the same side of the body as the holding hand.

Usage

• The forehand stroke is one of the most common and powerful shots in tennis.
• Players practice their forehand stroke to improve accuracy and power.
• A good forehand stroke is essential for controlling the baseline in a match.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Inside-out forehand stroke": A strategic shot where a player, often a right-hander, runs around their backhand side to hit a forehand stroke that angles across the court to the opponent's backhand side.
  • The player's aggressive inside-out forehand stroke pushed her opponent wide off the court.

Variants and Related Words

• Forehand (noun/adjective): Often used as a shorter, more common form meaning the same shot or describing something related to it (e.g., a forehand shot, a forehand drive).
  • Her forehand is her biggest weapon.
• Forehand drive (noun): A type of forehand stroke hit with a flat trajectory and pace.
• Forehand volley (noun): A forehand stroke executed before the ball bounces, usually near the net.

Synonyms

• Forehand shot: A direct synonym often used interchangeably.
• Palm-forward stroke: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the hand position.

Antonyms

• Backhand stroke: A return made with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke.

Noun

1. (sports) a return made with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke (as in tennis or badminton or squash)