Tennis is a popular sport around the world, enjoyed by millions of players of all ages and skill levels. The game consists of a series of shots, each of which is designed to put the opponent in a defensive position and ultimately to win the point. There are eight basic shots in tennis: the forehand, backhand, serve, volley, overhead, drop shot, lob, and smash. Knowing these shots and how to effectively use them is essential to becoming an accomplished tennis player.
 |
Bet on Tennis Online 50% up to $1,000 Welcome Bonus A+ Rating Review 25+ Years Online |
Join now! |
Forehand
The forehand is one of the most important shots in tennis. It is a stroke played with the player’s dominant hand and is usually the shot used to hit the ball after it has bounced once. The key to a successful forehand is to make contact with the ball as close to the tip of the racquet as possible, to generate maximum power and spin. A good forehand will also have a follow-through, which is the motion of the arm and racquet after the ball has been hit.
Backhand
The backhand is the shot a player uses when the ball is on the opposite side of their dominant hand. It is an important shot to master, as it can be used to hit the ball with power and spin. The backhand is usually hit with two hands, with the non-dominant hand on the bottom of the racquet, and the dominant hand on the top. Proper technique is essential for a successful backhand, as the player must make sure to keep their elbow up and swing through the ball.
Serve
The serve is the first shot of a tennis point and is used to put the opponent on the defensive. It is also the only shot in tennis where the player can use their feet to help generate power and spin. A good serve will have a lot of power and spin, and should be placed in an area that makes it difficult for the opponent to hit a good return.
Volley
The volley is a shot hit before the ball has bounced. It is a fast, aggressive shot that is meant to surprise the opponent and to put them on the defensive. To hit a successful volley, the player should make contact with the ball as close to the tip of the racquet as possible, while keeping their feet and body in balance.
Overhead
The overhead is a shot that is hit when the ball is above the player’s head. It is usually hit when the player is in the backcourt and the ball is too high to hit with a forehand or backhand. The overhead is a powerful shot, and proper technique is essential for success. The player should make sure to keep their elbow up and swing through the ball.
Drop Shot
The drop shot is a shot that is hit with a lot of spin and is designed to slow the pace of the game. It is usually hit when the player is close to the net and the ball is low. The goal of the drop shot is to make the opponent hit a difficult shot, or even better, to miss the shot.
Lob
The lob is a shot that is hit high and deep, with the goal of making the opponent hit a difficult shot. It is usually hit when the player is on the backcourt and the ball is close to the net. The lob is a shot that requires a lot of patience and finesse. The player should make sure to hit the ball with a lot of spin, and at a high enough angle that the opponent has trouble returning the shot.
Smash
The smash is a powerful shot that is usually used to finish off a point. It is a shot that is hit with a lot of power, and should be aimed at the opponent’s weak spot. The smash is a difficult shot to master, as it requires the player to generate a lot of power while maintaining good technique.
Conclusion
The eight basic shots in tennis are the forehand, backhand, serve, volley, overhead, drop shot, lob, and smash. Knowing how to effectively use these shots is essential for any aspiring tennis player. Each shot has its own nuances, and it is important to practice each shot and develop proper technique. With practice and dedication, any player can become an accomplished tennis player.
Keywords: Tennis, Forehand, Backhand, Serve, Volley, Overhead, Drop Shot, Lob, Smash