Have you ever been at a tennis match and heard the commentating team use words like ‘forehand’, ‘backhand’, ‘serve’, and ‘volley’? These are all tennis strokes, and each one of them has a specific name. Understanding these terms can help you become a more knowledgeable tennis fan and better understand the game.
What is a Tennis Stroke?
A tennis stroke is a single movement of the racquet and arm used to hit the ball. The different types of strokes are used to hit the ball in different ways, allowing a player to control the ball and create different types of shots.
Types of Tennis Strokes
There are four main types of strokes used in tennis: the forehand, the backhand, the serve, and the volley. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Forehand
The forehand is the most common stroke in tennis. To hit a forehand, a player stands in the ready position, steps into the ball with their non-dominant foot, and swings their racquet across their body. The forehand stroke is used to hit the ball with power, and is often used when the player is close to the net.
Backhand
The backhand is the opposite of the forehand stroke. To hit a backhand, a player stands in the ready position, steps into the ball with their dominant foot, and swings their racquet across their body. The backhand is used to hit the ball with control, and is often used when the player is further away from the net.
Serve
The serve is the most powerful stroke in tennis. To hit a serve, a player stands behind the baseline, tosses the ball in the air, and hits it over the net into the opponent’s court. The serve is used to start the point, and must be hit with power and accuracy in order to be effective.
Volley
The volley is the quickest stroke in tennis. To hit a volley, a player stands close to the net and hits the ball before it bounces. The volley is used to end the point quickly, and is often used when the player is close to the net.
How to Hit Different Strokes
Now that you know the different types of strokes, let’s take a look at how to hit them.
Forehand
- Start in the ready position with feet shoulder-width apart and the racquet held out in front of your body.
- Step into the ball with your non-dominant foot.
- Swing your racquet across your body and make contact with the ball.
- Finish the stroke with your arm and racquet extended in front of you.
Backhand
- Start in the ready position with feet shoulder-width apart and the racquet held out in front of your body.
- Step into the ball with your dominant foot.
- Swing your racquet across your body and make contact with the ball.
- Finish the stroke with your arm and racquet extended behind you.
Serve
- Start in the ready position behind the baseline.
- Toss the ball in the air and hit it over the net.
- Make contact with the ball at the top of your racquet’s swing.
- Finish the stroke with your arm and racquet extended in front of you.
Volley
- Start in the ready position close to the net.
- Hit the ball before it bounces.
- Make contact with the ball at the top of your racquet’s swing.
- Finish the stroke with your arm and racquet extended in front of you.
Common Mistakes
When learning how to hit different strokes, it is important to understand the common mistakes that can occur.
Forehand
- Not stepping into the ball.
- Hitting the ball late.
- Hitting the ball with an open racquet face.
Backhand
- Not stepping into the ball.
- Hitting the ball late.
- Hitting the ball with an open racquet face.
Serve
- Not using enough power.
- Tossing the ball too high or too low.
- Hitting the ball late.
Volley
- Not stepping into the ball.
- Hitting the ball too early or too late.
- Hitting the ball with an open racquet face.
Conclusion
Now that you know the different types of tennis strokes and how to hit them, you’ll be better able to follow and appreciate a tennis match. Understanding the different strokes can help you become a more knowledgeable tennis fan and better understand the game.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, understanding the different types of strokes is essential for any tennis player. With practice and dedication, you can become a master of the forehand, backhand, serve, and volley.