Forecourt Meaning in Tennis

The forecourt is the area of the tennis court between the net and the service line. This is the primary attacking zone where players go to finish points with volleys or overhead smashes. Moving into the forecourt is a sign of aggression and a desire to take time away from the opponent. Because you are closer to the net, you can hit much sharper angles that are impossible to reach from the back. However, being in the forecourt also makes you vulnerable to lobs or fast passing shots. It requires excellent reflexes and a different set of technical skills than baseline play. For example, after hitting a deep approach shot, a player will sprint into the forecourt to punch a winning volley. This transition puts immediate pressure on the opponent to hit a perfect shot. Mastering the forecourt allows a player to shorten points and save energy during long matches. It is the place where matches are often decided through quick thinking and soft touch.