Tennis comprises of three basic strokes with many variations of these shots plus also more advanced strokes and trick shots.
While you spend time developing your own technique and shot styles you need to fully master the basics.
At a later stage developing more advanced variations and strokes will give your game a more versatile and powerful element to it.
The Serve
You have to serve in every game you play, therefore there is no option but to master this stroke. The server starts a rally and gives you an opportunity to score without even returning a shot.
Serving normally require huge power and the shot is played with a wide overhead arc of the racket whilst shifting your bodyweight forward to hit the ball with maximum power.
If the ball lands outside your opponent’s serving box, it’s out. That is why a player should first learn accuracy then add more power.
The Forehand
Forehand shots make up a large proportion of a player’s return shots. A solid forehand produces power and more accuracy than many other types of shot. For this reason many players try to get into the right position for a forehand when the ball come towards them.
A perfect forehand generates momentum and results in a hit at around waist level. The power transfers to the racket in a sequence; legs to hips to shoulder to arm and out to the wrist.
The Backhand
Backhand shots involve hitting the ball with your arm swinging across your body. A player might be forced into playing this shot by an accurate service or a clever opponent who is moving you around the court.
Most pro’s use double-handed background strokes. Power shots involve pulling the racket right behind your shoulder and turning your back. Keep your eye on the ball and swing the racket in a sweeping arc so that the head connects with the ball at hip height.
Tennis strokes differ widely depending on the angle of the racket head, the power and the position of the player on the court.
If you angle the racket you can create more topspin on the ball. Holding the racket flatter playing a backhand shot creates a backhand slice which produce a lower bounce on the ball.
Other shots include lobs, volleys and drops. The lob can either be a defensive shot buying you time or to put the ball beyond a player for a winner. The lob involves hitting the ball high into the air with an angled underhand swing.
A drop shot is played with a soft racket stroke to take the power off the ball and make it drop dead over the net.
The volley is a most difficult shot to perform, you need to hit the ball in the air before it has a chance to bounce, something that needs perfect hand to eye coordination and judgement.
Mastering the basics can be challenging and rewarding at the same time.
If you would like to improve any part of your game then our professional trainers and coaches are here to help.
For information on private tennis coaching for adults or hot-shots coaching for juniors, simply contact our friendly team today!