Put it into practice: Forehand attacking options with David Palmer

David is one of the all-time greats, with a CV that includes 3 Commonwealth gold medals, 2 World Open titles, and 4 British Open titles. Renowned for his unparalleled physicality, mental fortitude, and hard-hitting aggressive style, he’s one of the very toughest competitors to have ever competed on the PSA world tour.

Now Head Coach at top US higher education institute Cornell University, we’re delighted to welcome David back to the site to share some of his knowledge and experience with us on a subject he’s a true authority on.

Being able to attack confidently into the front corners is crucial in enabling you to really apply pressure and stretch your opponent out. It’s important though to have options, with the ability to incorporate holds in your swing, and to play a variety of different shots from the same position key to keeping your opponent guessing, and avoiding you becoming too predictable.

David was a master of this – swooping in on any balls left short at the front, with his imposing frame and wide wingspan shutting his opponents out of the picture and left only guessing as to where the ball might be going.

The aim of this blog is to help you identify the drills and practices that will allow you to best implement David’s ideas on attacking in the front forehand corner into your own game, and provide you the tools to be able to punish your opponent when they leave you a loose ball in this area.

 Try these sessions to practice your forehand attacking options

Solo Practice

Check out this great 20min solo practice, working on your attacking options on the FH side – perfect to use before a game or training session to sharpen you up in that front area of the court

Pairs Practice

If you have a training partner to work with, try this pairs session working on different attacking options in the front FH area of the court, implementing some of the ideas introduced in the playlist

Want to add a physical edge?

To help allow you to get onto the ball early and maximise your attacking options, run through this speed/agility session a few times to start increasing the quickness of your movements into the corners

Related content

Check out these other great playlists and further improve your understanding of the game.

Using Height with David Palmer

For more great insights from David Palmer, check out this series discussing using height on the front wall

Being Deceptive Through Movement with Adrian Grant

In this series, Adrian Grant gives us his unique take on being deceptive through your movement, and not just through your swing

Forehand Technique with Peter Nicol

For more help on general forehand technique, check out this fantastic playlist from Peter Nicol

Short Variations with Jesse Engelbrecht

Looking to further enhance your short options? Let Jesse Engelbrecht guide you through his thoughts on different attacking variations

Let us know how you get on with the sessions, we’d love to hear your feedback!