In this discussion, we illustrate the eastern grip version of this forehand. As usual, we have a three-stage photo study, animation, and rollovers.

We begin below left with the starting point, which is usually forced upon a player who is not able to get into position to execute a full takeback. The variation imposed by the eastern grip is that the elbow must be adjusted open so that the racquet can be flush to the ball. The other difference is that the muscles used are slightly different. The physical sense of this shot is more like paddling water forward, toward some location in front of your body. In fact if you stood in a swimming pool and pushed the water forward you would approximate the feeling of this shot closely. But a push is not a good description of the full stroke since it is best to develop the strength to execute this stroke fast, like a jab.

Below left we see the racquet being extended forward toward the ball, with the rollover illustrating the transition between these two stages.

Below left is the final frame, where the strike occurs. Because of the defensive nature of the shot, it is good to let the ball get close before executing the acceleration and strike stages. Usually, when you are using this stroke, you have little choice in the matter.

In Part IV, we will present a variation on the western version of the open-stance third defensive forehand.