The Verdasco forehand drill: building reps on your weapon

The modern game is dominated by the forehand. The players who can build points around their strongest shot and use it from multiple positions on the court have a significant tactical advantage. This drill, used extensively by Fernando Verdasco among others, is designed to build volume and explosive power on the forehand.

The pattern

The player starts by hitting a cross-court forehand from the forehand corner. The second ball comes down the middle, and the player moves around it to hit an inside-out forehand. The third ball presents a choice: inside-out or inside-in, and the player decides based on spacing and tactical preference.

The key to the third ball is disguise. The player works to space themselves from the ball so that either direction is available without telegraphing the choice early. That spacing, combined with the ability to choose direction late, is what makes the pattern effective in match play.

Building stamina on the weapon

This is not a technique drill. The fundamentals should already be in place. The purpose is to build muscular endurance and consistency under load. One minute to ninety seconds at match tempo, with the player trying to maintain explosive power throughout. In a deep set, the forehand needs to hold up. This kind of high-volume, high-intensity practice builds that capacity.