Introducing forehand drive

Bryan Williams Asked 5 days ago

Hi Alois,

I am a newly qualified coach in a non-competitive club. My coaching group are 65-90 years old. Many have playing the same way for 50+ years. Since I started coaching them they have all improved at varying levels, which is great to see. However I struggled a little in my latest session which was introducing the Forehand drive to two elder players who have played mainly a backhand shot or forehand open bat for 50+ years. The concept of getting the forearm into the correct position was alien to them in addition to having the bat slightly closed. I should add that their movement is pretty good for their age.  Any hints of tips would be welcome please?

Thank you

Bryan

Alois Rosario Answered 4 days ago

Hi Bryan,

Working with older players who’ve used the same strokes for decades can be tricky. Their habits are deeply set, and changing the forearm position and bat angle can feel completely unnatural. A few things usually help.

Start with very small changes. Instead of trying to give them a full forehand drive straight away, get them to feel just one part of the stroke at a time. For example, begin by asking them to close the bat only five degrees and tap the ball forward. Once that feels normal, add a tiny amount of forearm movement. Build the stroke in layers rather than all at once.

Use slow, predictable feeds. A gentle, consistent ball gives them more time to think about the new shape without reverting to their old habits.

Hit one ball at a time with pauses in between. Players often learn better when the pace is calm and they can reset after each attempt.

Give them a clear purpose. Instead of “close the bat”, say “try to send the ball lower over the net”. Sometimes focusing on the outcome makes the technique adjust itself naturally.

At this stage, a small improvement in bat angle and a bit of forward contact is already a win. The goal is function, not perfection.

Hope this helps.