• Ready Position: Note that the tip of the racket is even with the top of the head, and the elbows are relaxed and slightly bent. The feet are a little wider than shoulder width and the knees are flexed.
• Turn Position: Note the key checkpoints: The shoulders are about 45 degrees to the net. The elbow is relaxed and tucked in toward the side. The wrist is laid back, and the plane of the racket is even with the edge of the front left shoulder. There has been no independent arm motion.
• Contact Position: The player has stepped forward into the line of the shot with the left foot. The palm of the hand and the right shoulder have then pushed the racket forward to the contact point with the hitting arm position unchanged--elbow in and wrist back. Note the contact well in front of the body--the laid back wrist is the key.
• Finish Position: The forehand volley finish is extremely compact. The palm of the hand and the shoulder have continued to push the racket so that it travels slightly past the contact point, with the butt of the racket just past the edge of the left front leg. Note the unchanged position of the hitting arm with the elbow still bent and the wrist laid back. Watch in the animation how the body rotates into position and through the stroke maintaining this simple, powerful arm position.

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