Reverse Forehand (Buggy-Whip Finish)
Also known as: reverse forehand, buggy whip forehand, buggy-whip forehand, buggy whip finish, finish over the head, over the head finish, lasso finish, forehand finish over my head
A reverse forehand finishes with the racquet over the hitting shoulder or above the head instead of across the body. It gives fast topspin and a sharp dip on short angles, running forehands and balls that jam you. Use it as a variation. Most forehands should still finish across the body.
On a standard modern forehand, the racquet swings up and across, and the finish ends over the opposite shoulder or wraps around the body. On a reverse forehand the forearm turns hard and the racquet comes up and back over the hitting-side shoulder or head. It is also called the buggy-whip finish. The path is steep and close to vertical. It brushes up the back of the ball for heavy topspin with little forward travel.
Players use it when they lack time or room. Typical cases include a forehand on the run near the sideline and a ball that jams the body. Others are a short-angle crosscourt or a high defensive ball that needs to dip fast. The extra spin makes the ball drop sooner and kick up after the bounce. It suits strong grips, usually semi-western or western, and needs a relaxed arm.
It is a specialty finish, not a replacement for the normal one. The steep path sends less energy forward. Used on every ball, it can leave rally balls short. A ball in your strike zone with time to set up usually wants a full finish across the body. Many coaches teach the standard forehand first and add the reverse finish later as a tool for stretched and awkward balls.
Tips by skill level
Learn a full finish across the body first. When you can rally reliably, try the reverse finish on short, slow balls near the sideline.
Pair it with the short-angle crosscourt. A steep reverse finish on a ball near the sideline opens an angle that a normal finish cannot reach.
Example
Pulled wide on a crosscourt forehand, he has no time to turn fully. He whips the racquet up over his right shoulder. The ball dips sharply just over the net and lands short crosscourt, out of his opponent's reach.
Why it matters
It gives you a way to hit with spin and control when you are rushed or stretched. That can turn a defensive position into a neutral or even attacking one.
Common mistakes
- Using the reverse finish on every forehand and landing rally balls short
- Forcing it with a tight arm instead of a relaxed forearm
- Trying it with a continental or weak eastern grip
- Pulling up early and catching the ball on the frame
Frequently asked questions
Should my forehand finish over my head?
Not usually. Most forehands finish across the body, over the opposite shoulder. Finishing over the hitting shoulder or head is a reverse forehand. It is a useful variation for running, jammed or short-angle balls.
What is a reverse forehand in tennis?
It is a forehand that finishes over the hitting-side shoulder or above the head instead of across the body. The steep path adds topspin and dip when you are stretched or rushed.
What is a buggy whip forehand?
Buggy whip is another name for the reverse forehand finish. The racquet whips up and over the hitting shoulder, like cracking a whip.
Related terms
- Windshield Wiper ForehandThe windshield wiper forehand finishes with the racquet sweeping across the body like a car's wiper. The extra face rotation adds heavy topspin.
- Follow-ThroughThe follow-through is the path the racquet takes after contact. A complete finish confirms the swing was not decelerated before the ball was struck.
- TopspinTopspin is forward spin imparted by brushing up the back of the ball. It makes the ball dip down into the court and kick up high after the bounce.
- Semi-Western GripThe semi-western (base knuckle on bevel 4) is the most popular modern forehand hold, balancing topspin capability with comfortable contact across a wide range of ball heights.
- 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.
- Loss of Balance on Stretch ShotsLoss of balance on stretch shots is reaching past a stable base for a wide, low, or hard-hit ball. The center of mass falls away from the shot at contact.
Related guides & benchmarks
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