Anyone new to the game of tennis will probably find the many terminologies of the game a bit confusing. After learning all the rules, you'd still have to familiarize yourself with the many terms and shot techniques to cover the fundamentals. The good news for beginners is that there are only six basic strokes they will have to learn to become competitive on the court.
There's a science in hitting a tennis ball with your racquet and creating good shots that deliver results. From groundstrokes to backhands, this article will cover every basic stroke that any new player to the sport of tennis will need to learn. It might be best to put this here now: veteran tennis players might cringe while reading the article for its very elementary nature. But for newbies, reading this guide will better understand what the most common tennis terms mean, how to perform basic strokes, and what they can all do for their game.
The serve
Every game starts with the serve. You launch the ball into the air, bend your knees while raising your racquet, then, with precise timing, hit the ball. Sounds simple enough, but their serve is one of the most critical strokes in tennis in that it's one of the few moments you'll have complete control of the ball.
A good serve always gives the player an advantage when it comes to dictating the game's pace. The direction of the shots towards a point relies on how well a serve is. Factors such as power, spin, and direction come into play when you perform a serve and limit what your opponent can do to answer it. If he cannot answer your serve and you earn a point, that would be what's called an 'Ace.'
For tiebreakers, the player who gets to serve should stand behind the baseline to the right of the court's centerline, then to the left for the second point. This opposite positioning will go on for the entire duration of the tiebreak, wherein the player should direct his shot to the opposite service box from both deuce and advantage serving positions.
Players who fail to do this or touch the net in their initial serve will get a second chance, but failing the subsequent serve results in a fault and will lose a point. The serve will be considered out, and the player will lose a point or take a second serve if the ball does not land in the opposite service box after touching the net.
During practice, stand behind the baseline and position your feet on a sideways stance. Aim the tips of your feet towards your opponent, and with your dominant hand, apply a firm continental grip (as if you are holding a hammer). Proceed to the basic ball launch and shoot for the serve.
Forehand groundstroke
Forehands are usually executed from the baseline using the dominant hand. Right-handed players should come from the right side of their bodies then proceed in a forward motion across as they hit the ball. Upon performing the shot, the player's palm should be far away from the body as the footwork concludes on the left side of the body.
As players move to hit a forehand, spin control is essential to direct the ball towards a more advantageous position on the opposite side of the court. Prepare for a return shot by taking an open stance with feet apart while ensuring that you can freely rotate your upper body for a return. Drop your dominant hand for proper topspin leverage as the ball approaches, then move forward towards the ball. Swing your racquet upwards so that your dominant hand extends across your body and over your shoulder. Finally, shift your body weight towards your non-dominant side so you can easily adjust footwork for succeeding returns.
Backhand groundstroke
A backhand is simply a groundstroke with the back of a player's dominant hand taking the shot. It starts with one side of your body moving forward and across to finish the move on the opposite side.
In performing the shot, players should take a balanced stance with their upper body still able to rotate for the take-back. The dominant hand extended from the body, and the player's body weight landed on the dominant side. Like a forehand, the dominant arm should drop as the player starts his rotation for the swing while executing a follow-through.
Forehand volley
A forehand volley is most effective when a player is near the net. Shots are hit with the dominant hand with the palms away from the body.
As you approach the net forward, keep your racquet in front of you while shifting your body towards your dominant side. With a handshake position, make contact with the ball and apply some wrist action as you move your body weight through the ball for the return.
When in practice, try applying a minimal swing for better control of the ball and be conscious of your footwork so that it goes along with your follow-through as you adjust your body weight's forward momentum.
Backhand volley
For the backhand volley, use your dominant arm to hit the ball. However, position the back of your hand away from your body.
Like how you would approach a single-handed backhand, rush towards the net with your racquet in front and rotate your body towards your non-dominant side as you make contact with the ball for a short swing. Shift your body weight through the ball and bring your racquet upon contact to your dominant side.
Overhead smash
Lastly, an overhead smash occurs when a player hits the ball above his head with a similar serve-like pattern. While it's possible to hit a smash with a backhand, the more fundamental shot is the forehand smash, wherein a player hits the ball near the net or somewhere around the service line before it bounces.
You can perform an overhead smash by applying a continental grip as you find a suitable position moving backward. Rotate your body so that your racquet goes back and your non-dominant hand is angled towards the ball. Take a swing as the ball drops with your body. Shift to face your opponent, and hammer your follow-through so that your racquet goes down across your body.
Practicing these six basic shots can jumpstart your training to be a better tennis player. Once you have mastered these fundamental techniques, progress to more advanced moves that further polish your game.
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