An Expert Guide to the Different Tennis Shots

Have you acquainted yourself with the basic tennis terms? Tennis has become a favorite racket sport that requires precision and strategy. This game demands astute awareness of the whole strategy and the opponent’s potential weaknesses. It is not just a sport played with a racket between two individual players; one can also team up by choosing a partner. However, one needs to be adept at tennis shots, which is essential for taking one’s game to a whole new level. So, if you want to learn about important shots that can make you a pro at this game, this article will be a lifesaver.

The Forehand Tennis Shot

When we talk about tennis shots, the forehand is a shot that reflects unnatural dominance, giving players a sense of power and control. So, once the player learns about this shot, it gives him a sense of confidence.

Method and Performance

In tennis, the forehand shot is frequently regarded as the most intuitive. Hitting the ball requires you to face your target with the palm of your hand.

Place your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees slightly to begin. Bring your racket back and twist your shoulders and hips as the tennis ball gets closer.

Make contact with the ball at waist height as you swing forward, then follow through with the rest of your body.

Key Points

• Grip: Semi-Western or Eastern grasp.
• Stance: Either neutral or open.
• Follow–through: Reach the top of your shoulder to finish.

Common Errors

• Excessive body rotation: This can cause you to lose precision and control.
• Late ball strike: A successful forehand relies heavily on timing.
• Lack of follow-through: A shot’s power and spin could be decreased by inadequate follow-through.

You can check out detailed information about how to master the forehand shot in this article.

The Backhand Tennis Shot

If you want to showcase your versatility on the court, this shot is something to master.

Method and Performance

One or two hands can be used to hit the backhand. With your legs bent, begin with a solid grip for a two-handed backhand.

Step into the stroke, turn your shoulders, and bring the racket back. Make contact with the front of your body and move in the direction of your goal.

Key Points

• Grip: Semi-Western is for two-handed, Continental or Eastern is for one-handed.
• Stance: Neutral or closed.
• Follow–Through: Completely extend your arms.

Common Errors

• Beginning on the back foot: This results in a lack of strength and control.
• Inadequate turn of the shoulder: Decreases the output of power.
• Poor grip: This can result in mishits and loss of control.

The Serve

As much as tennis is all about precision and strategy, the serve shot is known to be the fastest one, hitting 130 miles per hour.

Technique and Performance

The tone of a match can be established by a strong and precise serve. Step out in a casual manner with your feet shoulder-width apart. After tossing the ball high and a little ahead, return your racket.

Swing up and make contact at the highest point as the ball descends, then follow through into the court. It takes a strong tennis serve to win points.

Key Points

• Grip: All-terrain.
• Toss: Always ahead of the game.
• Follow-through: Complete by shifting your body weight forward.

Typical Errors

• Inconsistent throw: Causes servings to be delivered too soon.
• Inadequate timing: Impacts the serve’s force and accuracy.
• Insufficient follow-through: Decreases the serve’s efficacy.

The Volley Tennis Shot

Volleys are executed without letting the ball bounce, so if you want to learn about a tennis shot that offers ultimate control, this one is for you.

Technique and Effectiveness

Netplay requires volleyball. Knees bowed, hold the racket in front of you. Step forward and deliver a quick, deliberate punch as the ball gets closer.

Key Points

• Grip: Continental.
• Stance: Ready position.
• Follow-through: Concise and controlled.

Common Errors

• Overswinging: Causes loss of self-control
• Too much upright Posture: Limits reach and mobility.
• Inadequate footwork: Impairs balance and posture.

The Smash Overhead

Every game includes a variety of shots, from slightly challenging ones to extremely difficult ones. When I was researching tennis shots, I came to know that smash overhead is one hard tennis shot.

Strategy and Performance

One way to complete points is with an overhead smash. Take a position with your racket raised beneath the ball. Jump a little as the ball descends and swing down hard, trying to hit an open side of the court.

Key Points

• Grip: Continental.
• Stance: Perpendicular to the net.
• Follow-through: Move your body across and downward.

Common Errors

• Inadequate placement: Delays shots.
• Misjudging the ball’s trajectory: Has an impact on power and accuracy.
• Weak follow-through: Decreases the effectiveness of the shot.

The Drop Tennis Shot

If you want to give a surprise to the one playing opposite to you, drop shot is effective shot in tennis.

Method and Execution 

If you are wondering what a drop shot in tennis is, it is simply a finesse move. The drop shot is a deft technique meant to surprise your opponent.

In the final second, lay the ball gently so that it will fall just over the net. Approach the ball as if hitting a regular shot. Practicing this will make you a pro at drop-shot at tennis.

Key Points

• Grip: Eastern or Continental.
• Stance: Indifferent.
• Follow-through: Not that much, or we can say minimal.

Common Mistakes

• Telegraphing the shot: Provides the opposition with easy predictability.
• Overuse of force: Makes the drop shot less effective.
• Inadequate placement: Is unable to surprise the opponent.

The Lob Tennis Shot

It is one high shot in tennis that has the capability to disrupt the rhythm of the opponent player.

Technique and Result

A defensive play called a lob is made to pass an opponent who is rushing the net or to buy time. With this shot, you strike the ball upward, aiming it high above your opponent’s head.

Players can move back into position. Lob is typically known as one of the highest shots in tennis.

Key Points

• Grip: Eastern or Continental.
• Stance: Either neutral or open.
• Follow-through: Prolonged and elevated.

Common Mistakes

• Inadequate height: Facilitates an easy way to crush the shot.
• Improper aim: Decreases the potency of the shot.
• Telegraphed motion: Provides time for the opponent to get ready.

The Slice in Tennis Shot

 Method and Performance

The slice is a shot with a backspin that slides off the ground while staying low. With a continental grip and a raised racket, cut through and down the ball. A slice backhand played with skill can throw off your opponent’s rhythm.

Key Points

• Grip: Continental.
• Posture: Adjacent.
• Follow-through: Prolonged and low.

Common Errors

• Overuse: This can lead to monotony.
• Improper timing: Decreases the effectiveness of the injection.
• Lack of spin: Has an impact on how low the shot can stay.

The Passing Tennis Shot

Method and Effectiveness

To get the ball past an opponent at the net, use a passing shot. Players can hit this shot down the line or toward the open court with speed and accuracy.

Key Points

• Grip: Either a backhand or forehand grip.
• Stance: Elastic or elastic.
• Follow-through: Complete continuation.

Common Errors

• Being too near to the opponent Lowers your chances of winning.
• Deficit in speed: Facilitates simpler interceptions by the opposition.
• Improper aim: Decreases the impact of the shot.

The Serve Return

Approach and Performance

It takes anticipation and rapid reactions to return a serve. As the opponent serves, take a position just behind the baseline, split step, and respond fast to the direction of the ball. Backhands or forehands can be employed to successfully return the serve.

Key Points

• Grip: Continental for adaptability.
• Position: Positioned ready.
• Follow-through: Guided and managed.

Common Mistakes

• Bad anticipation: Affects reaction time.
• Overcommitting to one side Makes it harder to move about.
• Weak return: Provides an advantage to the opponent.

The Approach Shots

Approach and Outcome

You are ready for net play with the approach shot. Strike the ball hard and fast, then make a fast move to get close to the net to complete the point.

Key Features

• Grip: Either a backhand or forehand grip.
• Stance Progression.
• Follow-through: Complete and well-managed.

Common Errors

• Inadequate shot selection: Diminishes the approach’s potency.
• Lack of aggression: Allows your opponent to pass you more easily.
• Inadequate execution: Reduces control and command.

Conclusion

Summing up the article covered eleven important tennis shots to master this racket sport. From the lob to drop shot and serve, each shot demands skill, patience, and practice. So, if you want to take your game to the next level, practice these shots and enjoy your game.