Tennis is a game of precision, power, and strategy. To become a versatile player, it's crucial to master a variety of shots that allow you to control the ball, surprise your opponent, and dictate the pace of the match. In this guide, we’ll explore six key tennis shots: the forehand, backhand, curve shot, forehand volley, backhand volley, and the overhead smash. Each shot serves a different purpose, and learning the right technique will elevate your performance on the court.
1. The Forehand
The forehand is often considered the most powerful and versatile shot in tennis, and it’s typically one of the first shots players learn along with backhand. To perform a strong forehand, start by positioning yourself sideways to the net, with your non-dominant shoulder facing your opponent. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, with your weight slightly shifted toward your back foot.
As the ball approaches, rotate your torso and bring the racquet back, ensuring that your arm remains relaxed. As the ball comes closer, step forward with your front foot, transferring your weight from your back foot to the front. Swing the racquet forward, aiming to make contact with the ball slightly in front of your body. Keep your wrist firm but relaxed, and follow through with your racquet, allowing it to naturally move across your body as your hips rotate forward.
A forehand is all about timing and fluidity. Practice maintaining balance throughout the shot and make sure your grip—either eastern or semi-western—suits your style of play. The forehand provides both power and topspin, making it a vital weapon in your long tennis journey.
Here is a photo for you to understand better of the technique:
2. The Backhand
The backhand can be performed with either one or two hands, and it's often seen as a more defensive shot. A single-handed backhand offers reach and finesse, while a two-handed backhand gives you more control and power.
Start by standing with your non-dominant shoulder facing the net. As the ball approaches, rotate your torso and take the racquet back across your body, leading with your non-dominant arm if you’re using two hands. Keep your knees slightly bent for balance. As you prepare to hit the ball, step forward with your dominant foot (or step across your body if you're using two hands), shifting your weight into the shot.
Swing the racquet forward and make contact with the ball just in front of your body. Follow through across your body, maintaining a relaxed grip and keeping your shoulders rotating naturally. For a two-handed backhand, your non-dominant hand plays a critical role in guiding the shot and adding power.
Whether you prefer a one- or two-handed backhand, focus on clean contact and fluid motion. The backhand is key for returning deep, fast shots, especially when you need to hit from the baseline.
Here is a photo for you to understand better of the technique:
3. Serve
The serve is one of the most important shots in tennis, starting every point and offering the opportunity to dictate the pace of the game. To perform a proper serve, begin by standing behind the baseline with your front foot pointing toward the net. Use a continental grip for versatility. Toss the ball slightly in front of you, aiming for a high, controlled toss. As the ball reaches its peak, bend your knees, rotate your shoulders, and bring your racquet back in a smooth, throwing motion. Make contact with the ball at the highest point, snapping your wrist for added power and spin.
Different serves, such as the flat, slice, and kick serve, require subtle adjustments. For a flat serve, hit the ball squarely for maximum speed. In a slice serve, brush the side of the ball to create spin, making it curve. A kick serve requires brushing up the back of the ball to produce topspin, causing a high bounce. Mastering the serve adds variety and control to your game, helping you gain an advantage from the first shot.
Here is a photo for you to understand better of the technique:
4. The Forehand Volley
The forehand volley is an essential shot when playing at the net. Unlike a typical forehand, you don’t need a full backswing for a volley. Instead, the key is quick reflexes and short, controlled movements.
Stand at the net, with your knees bent and weight balanced on the balls of your feet. Keep your racquet up in front of you, ready to react quickly to the incoming ball. As the ball approaches, step forward with your non-dominant foot, and move the racquet forward to meet the ball before it bounces. Unlike a groundstroke, you want to "punch" the ball back, using the force of the ball’s speed rather than generating power with your swing.
The key to a successful volley is keeping the racquet face firm and angled slightly upward, helping you control the ball’s direction and speed.
Here is a photo for you to understand better of the technique:
5. The Backhand Volley
Similar to the forehand volley, the backhand volley requires minimal backswing and a focus on control rather than power. Position yourself at the net with your knees bent and weight forward, keeping the racquet up in front of your body.
As the ball approaches, rotate your shoulders and bring the racquet across your body to meet the ball. Keep your wrist firm and push the ball back with a short, controlled punch. The angle of your racquet is crucial here, as it will determine the ball’s trajectory.
Backhand volleys can be tricky because they rely heavily on timing and precision. Practice keeping your grip relaxed and your movements efficient, allowing you to react quickly to fast-placed shots.
Here is a photo for you to understand better of the technique:
6. The Overhead Smash
The overhead smash is a powerful, aggressive shot used to finish off a point, especially when your opponent sends a lob that hangs in the air. To execute a successful smash, start by positioning yourself under the ball, keeping your eyes on it as it descends.
Raise your racquet above your head, with your non-dominant hand pointing at the ball to help with positioning. Bend your knees slightly and prepare to spring upward, just like in a service motion. As the ball comes down, swing your racquet with full force, making contact with the ball at the highest point possible. Follow through by bringing the racquet down across your body, keeping your eyes on the ball until it lands.
The overhead smash is all about power and timing. Practice maintaining balance and staying aggressive, as this shot is typically used to end the rally and claim the point.
Here is a photo for you to understand better of the technique:
Mastering these six fundamental tennis shots—the forehand, backhand, curve, forehand volley, backhand volley, and overhead smash—will help you become a more well-rounded player. Each shot serves a unique purpose, and developing the ability to use them effectively will give you a significant advantage on the court. By focusing on technique, timing, and control, you’ll not only improve your game but also increase your confidence in matches. Practice these shots regularly, and soon you’ll be able to do them with precision and power.
Bibliography:
“Home.” The Preserve at Ironhorse, preserveatironhorse.com/tennis-backhand-tips/. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
client), Robert (CoachUp, et al. “Train with Ricky, a Boxing Coach on Coachup.” CoachUp, www.coachup.com/coaches/rickyj-2. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
“Техника Подачи в Большом Теннисе: 7 Шагов к Совершенству.” TennisPartners, 13 Mar. 2024, tennispartners.ru/blog/tekhnika-podachi-v-bolshom-tennise-7-shagov-k-sovershenstvu.
“Forehand and Backhand Volley.” Epic Tennis Academy | Tennis for Everyone, 23 May 2013, tenniscoachsingapore.com/improving-forehand-and-backhand-volley/.
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