Understanding the Basic Shots in Tennis

The game of tennis conists of a few basic shots. Understanding, practicing and mastering these shots will allow the player to become a dominant force whether it be in friendly games of more competetive matches.

 1. Forehand Ground Stroke - This stroke is executed by hitting the ball after the ball has bounced on the court surface. This is usually the most played tennis stroke in any match play. Unless otherwise indicated, this stroke is usually hit from around the baseline when ball contact is made and is usually hit with topspin. This shot can also be hit as a flat shot or as a slice shot. The Forehand Ground Stroke is executed with the contact point on the same side of the body as the racquet hand.

2. Backhand Groundstroke - This stroke is executed by hitting the ball after the ball has bounced on the court surface. This is usually the second most played shot in any match play. This stroke is usually hit from the baseline when ball contact is made and is hit just as often hit with topspin or as a slice. This shot can also be hit as a flat shot. The Backhand Ground Stroke is executed with the contact point on the opposite side of the body as the racquet hand.

3. Forehand Volley - This stroke is executed by hitting the ball before the ball has bounced on the court surface. This stroke is used to return the ball when you are positioned closer to the net. The volley is also used to return the ball sooner than a ground stroke, thus reducing the amount of time your opponent has to react. You are usually positioned between the service line and the net when ball contact is made. The Forehand Volley is executed with the contact point on the same side of the body as the racquet hand.

4. Backhand Volley - This stroke is executed by hitting the ball before the ball has bounced on the court surface. This stroke is used to return the ball when you are positioned closer to the net. The volley is also used to return the ball sooner than a ground stroke, thus reducing the amount of time your opponent has to react. You are usually positioned between the service line and the net when ball contact is made. The Backhand Volley is executed with the contact point on the opposite side of the body as the racquet hand.

5. Half Volley - This is a very interesting shot because it has aspects of the volley and aspects as a ground stroke. It is similar to the groundstroke because the stroke is executed by hitting the ball after the ball has bounced once on the court surface. It is also similar to a volley because it is hit while the ball is on the rise which makes it feel like a volley. Normal ground strokes are executed by hitting the ball on its downward motion. The Half volley can be executed both as a forehand and a backhand.

6. Forehand Overhead - This tennis stroke is also known as a "smash". This shot is not used very often is game play. It is executed by hitting the ball with the racket above your head and while the ball is coming back down. It is executed by hitting the ball before the ball has bounced on the court surface. This stroke is usually hit while you are close to the net, usually in front of the service line. The shot can also be hit from further back on the court. The Forehand Overhead Stroke is executed with the contact point on the same side of the body as the racquet hand.

7. Backhand Overhead - This is an alternative to the "smash". This tennis shot is probably the least used shot. It is executed by hitting the ball with the racket above your head and while the ball is coming back down. It is executed by hitting the ball before the ball has bounced on the court surface. This stroke is usually hit while you are close to the net, usually in front of the service line. The Backhand Ground Stroke is executed with the contact point on the opposite side of the body as the racquet hand.

8. Serve - The serve is similar to a "Forehead Overhead" but is hit behind the baseline. The use of various spins and spred make this shot difficult to predict and to return. This tennis stroke is also known as a "smash". The shot can also be hit from further back on the court. The Forehand Overhead Stroke is executed with the contact point on the same side of the body as the racquet hand.

9. Return of Serve - This stroke is a modification to the Groundstroke and is used to return serves. It is usually has a shorter backswing. The primary purpose of the return of server is to return the server to the server.