Forehand Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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forehand
[หfษหhรฆnd ]
Definitions
tennis
A stroke made with the palm of the hand facing in the direction of the stroke.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| forehand |
Mostly used in tennis or other racket sports to describe a type of stroke where the front of the hand goes forward. It's typically used to refer to an offensive action aiming to control the play.
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| drive |
Commonly used in a variety of sports including tennis, golf, and baseball. It's often employed to describe a strong, forceful hit or stroke aimed at achieving significant distance or speed.
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| shot |
A general term applicable to many sports such as basketball, soccer, and tennis. It describes an attempt to score points or gain an advantage by propelling the ball or puck toward a specific target.
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| strike |
Primarily used in baseball, it refers to a pitched ball that is either swung at and missed or deemed hittable by the umpire but not swung at. Can also mean a forceful blow in other sports and even in industrial actions to describe a work stoppage.
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Examples of usage
- He has a powerful forehand.
- She needs to work on her forehand technique.
table tennis
A type of grip in table tennis where the racket is held with the thumb resting on the rubber and the fingers wrapped around the handle.
Synonyms
paddle grip, table tennis grip.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| forehand |
Similar to the first 'forehand', it refers to the same stroke in racket sports. The term is identical in spelling and usage.
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| table tennis grip |
Similar to 'paddle grip', this term is used in table tennis to describe the way a player holds the paddle. It can refer to different types of grips like the penhold or shakehand grip.
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| paddle grip |
This term applies to sports like table tennis, where the player holds the paddle in a specific manner. It's more about how one holds the paddle rather than a specific stroke.
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Examples of usage
- His forehand grip gives him better control over the ball.
- The player switched to a forehand grip for better spin.
general
The side of the body between the front and the back, where the arm is attached.
Synonyms
anterior side, front side.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| forehand |
Commonly used in sports, especially tennis and table tennis, to describe a stroke made with the arm and racket moving forward. This term does not have a negative connotation.
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| front side |
A general term that can be used in everyday language to describe the front part of something. It can apply to many situations, from objects to vehicles to human bodies.
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| anterior side |
Primarily used in medical or biological contexts to refer to the front part of a body or organ.
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Examples of usage
- He felt a sharp pain in his right forehand.
- She placed her hand on her left forehand.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports Technique
- In tennis, an effective forehand allows players to generate power and spin, making it a key shot in both singles and doubles play.
- The grip on the racket can significantly influence the success of a forehand, with various styles like the Eastern and Western grips offering different advantages.
- Professional players often spend years perfecting their forehand, leading to distinct personal styles that can be recognized during matches.
Historical Origins
- The term originated in the early days of racket sports, distinguishing between shots that are hit on the side of the body opposite the dominant hand.
- The game of tennis and its terminology can be traced back to the 12th century in France, evolving into the modern sport we know today.
- Forehand techniques have seen significant evolution over the decades, influenced by changes in racket technology and player training methods.
Cultural Impact
- The forehand shot has become symbolic of skilled athleticism in sports, often highlighted in major tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open.
- In pop culture, tennis players' forehands often draw comparisons to other sports skills, showcasing their importance in both performance and entertainment.
- Iconic athletes like Serena Williams and Roger Federer have made their forehands legendary, inspiring future generations of players.
Psychology and Sports
- Athletes often focus on building mental discipline for executing a perfect forehand, emphasizing muscle memory and concentration during matches.
- Sports psychology explores the impact of confidence on performance; mastering the forehand can lead to increased self-assurance in players.
- Visualization techniques are commonly used by players to mentally rehearse their forehand, enhancing their physical execution during competitions.
Science of Movement
- Hitting a forehand involves complex biomechanics, utilizing different muscle groups in the arm, shoulder, and core to generate speed and accuracy.
- Studies in kinesiology examine the most effective body positioning and movement patterns for executing powerful forehand shots.
- Advancements in sports science continue to optimize training methods for the forehand, focusing on efficiency and injury prevention.
Origin of 'forehand'
The term 'forehand' originated in the sport of tennis, where it refers to a stroke made with the palm of the hand facing in the direction of the stroke. The term has since been adopted in other sports like table tennis to describe a specific grip. In general, 'forehand' can also refer to the side of the body between the front and the back, where the arm is attached. The word has its roots in Middle English, where 'fore' meant 'in front of' and 'hand' referred to the part of the body at the end of the arm.
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