By Katrina Adams
Illustration by Keith Witmer

These days, almost everyone hits ground strokes with an open stance, from Roger Federer to the 7-year-old beginner. There’s room, however, for an old-school weapon in your arsenal: the closed-stance forehand. If you have time to turn sideways and step into the court, especially on a short ball, you should do it. You’ll hit a powerful, more accurate shot and keep your momentum moving forward, which will give you a chance to approach the net and finish off the point.

VIDEO: Teaching pro Katrina Adams shows you how to hit a closed-stance forehand 

Click below to see a slideshow of the closed-stance forehand:

Katrina Adams, a former WTA pro, is a commentator for the Tennis Channel.