In this discussion, we take a look at the strike stage of the running forehand. The key point to focus on is the execution of the straight-line interval while on the run and while the left leg is leading (for a right-handed player; for a left-handed player, the situation is the reverse). Our reference is the figure below, showing two different players in two different tournaments executing the same stroke. In both cases, the ball strike has just occurred, but the racquet orientation has changed only slightly.

In the figure below, we highlight the strike to emphasize that the racquet has been advanced in a way that the racquet orientation to the ball is nearly unchanged from before the strike, demonstrating that the player in both cases has maintained a straight-line interval over at least six inches, but likely much more, in order to ensure clean contact with the ball.

For comparison, on the far right above is an example of a standing forehand (as opposed to running). Note that the racquet orientation is nearly the same as achieved by the running forehands.

The running forehand requires good shoulder control to advance the racquet and good strength in the wrist to maintain stable control over the racquet to assure an adequate straight-line interval.

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