Inside-In Forehand
Also known as: inside-in forehand, inside in forehand, inside-in, run around forehand down the line
An inside-in forehand is a forehand you run around your backhand to hit, then send down the line instead of crosscourt. For a right-hander playing a right-hander, it goes to the opponent's forehand side. It is the surprise follow-up to the usual crosscourt pattern.
It starts from a familiar setup. You step around a ball on your weak side and hit with your stronger wing. The usual target is crosscourt, to the opponent's weaker side. Change that target to the line, and you have this shot.
Between two right-handers, the ball goes to the opponent's forehand. That sounds odd, because you are aiming at their stronger wing. It works because they expect the crosscourt ball and cheat toward their weak corner. The line drive catches them moving the wrong way.
This is the harder of the two directions. It crosses the high part of the net and has less court to land in. Hit it when the ball is short, when you are inside the baseline and when the opponent is shading to their weak corner. Then follow it in or be ready for a quick reply.
Tips by skill level
Learn to run around and hit crosscourt first. Add the line option once you can do both from the same setup.
Use the same footwork and shoulder turn for both directions. Decide late, based on where the opponent is leaning.
Example
After several crosscourt run-arounds, his opponent is guarding the far corner. He sets up the same way and drives the ball down the line for a clean winner.
Why it matters
A crosscourt-only pattern becomes easy to read. This shot gives you a second direction from the same setup.
Common mistakes
- Going for it from deep behind the baseline
- Showing the direction early with your shoulders
- Using it before the crosscourt pattern is established
- Aiming too close to the sideline
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between inside-out and inside-in?
Both are forehands hit from the backhand side of the court. Inside-out goes crosscourt, while inside-in goes down the line.
When should I hit an inside-in forehand?
When the ball is short and the opponent is shading toward their weak corner, expecting the crosscourt ball.
Related terms
- Inside-Out ForehandAn inside-out forehand is played by running around a ball that arrives on the backhand side and redirecting it with the forehand to the opponent's backhand corner.
- Down-the-Line ShotA down-the-line shot travels parallel to the nearest sideline. It changes a crosscourt rally's direction to create a sharper angle or exploit an open court.
- Singles Patterns of PlayA core singles pattern is to rally crosscourt until you get a shorter or weaker ball, then change direction down the line or attack. Others include the inside-out forehand to the opponent's backhand, the serve plus one and the approach down the line. Patterns give each shot a job.
- ForehandThe forehand is a groundstroke hit on the dominant-hand side, swinging across the body. It is a player's most natural and usually most powerful shot.
Related guides & benchmarks
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