Tennis is a dynamic sport that requires a variety of strokes to be successful on the court. Here are some essential tennis strokes that every player should know and master:
Forehand: The forehand is one of the most important and commonly used strokes in tennis. It involves hitting the ball with the dominant hand (right hand for right-handed players and vice versa) across the body from the backhand side to the forehand side. Players generate power and topspin by swinging the racket in an arc from low to high.
Backhand: The backhand is another fundamental stroke in tennis. There are two types of backhands: one-handed and two-handed. In a one-handed backhand, the player hits the ball with one hand, typically using a single-handed backhand grip. In a two-handed backhand, the player uses both hands on the grip to hit the ball. The backhand can be hit flat, with topspin, or with slice, depending on the situation.
Serve: The serve is the stroke that starts each point in tennis. Players hit the ball from behind the baseline and must land it in the opponent's service box diagonally across the net. A powerful and well-placed serve can give a player a significant advantage in the point.
Volley: A volley is a shot hit before the ball bounces on the court. Players execute volleys near the net to intercept and redirect the ball back into the opponent's court. Volleys can be hit with either a forehand or backhand grip, and good net play is crucial for successful volleys.
Overhead Smash: The overhead smash is a powerful shot used when the ball is high in the air and near the net. Players hit the ball overhead with a full swing, aiming to put it away for a winner.
Drop Shot: The drop shot is a soft shot played from the baseline, which lands close to the net and barely bounces. It is used to surprise opponents and force them to run forward to retrieve the ball.
Slice: The slice is a shot used to add backspin to the ball, causing it to stay low and skid on the court. It is typically used defensively or to change the pace of the rally.
Topspin Lob: The topspin lob is a shot played with heavy topspin to send the ball high over the opponent's head, making it difficult for them to reach and return the ball.