Forehand Drive in Table Tennis: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

The forehand drive is the first attack weapon of every player. In this lesson, Captain Yasser Yehia — professional table tennis coach in Riyadh with more than 21 years as a player and 13 years as a coach — teaches you the forehand drive in table tennis the same way he teaches it on court: body first, then swing, then contact.

(This is Lesson 3 of the basics series. It starts from the ready position — read Lesson 1 first.)

What Is the Forehand Drive?

The forehand drive is a basic attack stroke played from the forehand side. Its job is to send the ball fast, stable, and forward, with a light to medium topspin at the beginner level.

It is the stroke you will use most in rallies, and it is the base for stronger attack strokes later.

Body Shape Before the Shot

Before the swing, check your body:

• Start from the ready position.
• Both feet stand on the same line.
• Knees bent.
• Upper body leans forward a little.
• Your hand is above your leg, on the forehand side.
• You are ready to meet the ball and send it forward.

Phase 1: The Backswing

1. From the ready position, turn your body a little to the right (left-handed players: to the left).
2. Move part of your weight to the back leg.
3. Pull the hitting arm back a little.
4. Open the shoulder and the waist a little bit.
5. Keep the racket head up — do not drop the racket very low.

Remember: the backswing is small. A big backswing makes you late.

Phase 2: The Contact

This is where the magic happens — and the power does not come from the arm alone:

1. Start the movement from the legs → then hips → then body → then arm. Captain Yasser Yehia calls this the power chain.
2. Move your weight forward.
3. The arm moves forward and a little up.
4. Hit the ball in front of your body, at the top of the bounce or a little before it.
5. Keep the racket face a little closed (tilted forward), depending on the ball.

Phase 3: The Follow Through

1. The racket continues its way forward and up.
2. Your body ends balanced, with the weight forward.
3. Go back to the ready position right away — the next ball is coming.

Golden Tips

• Body, not arm. If your forehand is weak, you are probably using only your arm. Power starts from the legs.
• Small swing, big control. Keep the backswing short.
• In front, not late. Always meet the ball in front of your body.
• Finish, then reset. Every drive ends with a return to the ready position.

Train with Captain Yasser Yehia in Riyadh

The forehand drive looks simple, but small details decide everything: the timing, the racket angle, the weight transfer. Captain Yasser Yehia corrects these details live in his private and group training programs in Riyadh, for all levels.

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FAQ

Where should I hit the ball?
In front of your body, at the top of the bounce or a little before it.

Should the racket face be open or closed?
A little closed (tilted forward). The exact angle changes with the type of ball.

Why is my forehand drive weak?
Two common reasons: you use only your arm (start from the legs and hips), or your backswing is too big and you hit late.