What is Tennis?
Tennis is a racquet sport that can be played individually against a single opponent or between two teams of two players each. The objective is to maneuver the ball in such a way that the opponent is not able to play a valid return. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society and at all ages. The sport can be played by anyone who can hold a racquet, including wheelchair users.
What are the Shots in Tennis?
In tennis, each point is a rally, involving multiple shots being played. There are several different shots used in the sport, and each shot has a purpose and strategy. The main shots in tennis are:
The Serve
The serve is the most important shot in tennis. It is the only shot that the player can control completely, and it is the only shot of the point to start with the player. A serve is a shot that must land in the diagonally opposite service box without touching the net. There are two common types of serves in tennis, the flat serve and the kick serve.
The Forehand
The forehand is a groundstroke hit with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke. It is the most common groundstroke used by tennis players and is usually the first groundstroke learned by beginners. It is a powerful shot and is often used to dictate the pace of the game.
The Backhand
The backhand is a groundstroke hit with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke. It is usually the second groundstroke learned by beginners and is usually not as powerful as the forehand. However, it is a very important shot and is often used to create angles and keep the opponent off balance.
The Volley
The volley is a shot hit before the ball bounces on the ground. It is usually hit close to the net, and it is an important shot for players who like to stay close to the net and attack the net. It is an aggressive shot and requires quick reflexes and good anticipation.
The Overhead
The overhead is a shot hit when the ball is above the player’s head. It is usually hit in the middle of a point and often requires good technique and coordination. It is usually used to finish off a point or to surprise the opponent.
The Drop Shot
The drop shot is a shot hit with the intention of making the ball land close to the net. It is usually hit with a lot of spin and often takes the opponent by surprise. It is an effective shot when used with good timing and strategy.
The Lob
The lob is a shot hit over the opponent’s head with the intention of making the ball bounce twice before it reaches the opponent. It is usually used to surprise the opponent or to get the opponent out of position. It is an effective shot when used with good timing and strategy.
The Approach Shot
The approach shot is a shot hit with the intention of setting up a point. It is usually hit with a lot of spin and power and is used to put the opponent in a defensive position. It is a very important shot and is often used to set up a point for a winning shot.
The Half Volley
The half volley is a shot hit just after the ball bounces on the ground. It is usually hit close to the net and requires good technique and anticipation. It is an effective shot when used with good timing and strategy.
Conclusion
Tennis is a racquet sport that has a variety of shots that can be used to win a point. The main shots in tennis are the serve, the forehand, the backhand, the volley, the overhead, the drop shot, the lob, the approach shot, and the half volley. All of these shots have different purposes and strategies, and they are all important in order to win a point.