“In tennis, it is not the opponent you fear, it is the failure itself, knowing how near you were but just out of reach.” – Anonymous.
The enthralling world of tennis is as multifaceted as the shots it’s built upon. A game, not just of power but also of strategy, tennis offers players an incredible range of techniques to master and utilize. Understanding and mastering the various shots is essential, not just to keep the ball in play, but to strategically position oneself for victory.
The dynamic nature of tennis means that every shot, every spin, every serve can change the course of the game. In this article, we delve deep into the intricacies of tennis shots, from the foundational groundstrokes to the game-changing serves.
1. The Basic Groundstrokes
Groundstrokes are the backbone of tennis. They make up the majority of shots in a match and are executed after the ball has bounced once on the court.
a. Forehand
The forehand is one of the first shots every tennis player learns and perfects.
Definition: Played from the dominant side of the body, the forehand is a swing that moves the racket across one’s body, in the direction they wish the ball to go.
Proper Technique: Position yourself sideways to the net. Pivot on your back foot, rotate your hips and shoulders, and swing the racket forward with a low-to-high motion. The follow-through is essential; ensure your racket finishes over the opposite shoulder.
Common Mistakes: Over-swinging can cause loss of control. Not rotating the hips and shoulders can reduce power. Not following through can decrease accuracy.
b. Backhand
The backhand can be both a player’s Achilles’ heel or their secret weapon.
Definition: A shot hit from the non-dominant side of a player’s body, where the action requires the back of the dominant hand to lead the swing.
Variations: Some champions like Roger Federer use a one-handed backhand, known for its elegance and reach. Others, like Novak Djokovic, opt for the two-handed backhand, recognized for its power and control.
Proper Technique: The setup is similar to the forehand, with a sideways stance. For a two-handed backhand, the non-dominant hand leads the swing, providing the power, while the dominant hand offers control and finesse. One-handed backhands require a firm wrist and a more extended follow-through.
2. Serving Shots
In tennis, the serve is the shot that starts the point. It’s the only shot where a player has full control, making it a game-changer.
a. Flat Serve
This serve is all about speed and power.
Definition: The flat serve is hit with minimal spin, traveling straight and fast, making it the most challenging serve to return when executed correctly.
Benefits: The sheer speed and surprise element can earn outright points, commonly known as “aces.”
When to Use: Typically used as a first serve, when taking the risk of a potential fault is balanced by the possibility of an ace or setting up an easy second shot.
b. Slice Serve
The deceptive cousin of the flat serve, the slice serve is all about spin.
Definition: A serve where the ball is hit in a manner that imparts sidespin. This makes the ball curve, often away from the opponent.
Key Characteristics: The ball’s trajectory is not straight but curves, making it unpredictable, especially when bouncing.
c. Kick Serve (or Topspin Serve)
An advanced serve with a high bounce, making it difficult to attack.
Definition: The kick serve is characterized by its pronounced topspin, which causes the ball to bounce high and, for right-handed players, to the left (and vice versa for left-handed players).
Advantages: It’s less risky than the flat serve, given its high net clearance, and its unpredictability can throw off opponents.
Strategic Use: Often deployed as a second serve because of its safety and effectiveness. However, it can also be used strategically on the first serve, especially on clay courts, where the bounce is even more pronounced.
3. Net Play Shots
The net is not just a division between players; for many, it’s an invitation. Approaching the net can be a strategic move to finish a point faster, pressuring the opponent into a mistake.
a. Volley
Definition: Executed without letting the ball bounce, the volley is all about reflex and positioning.
Techniques: Whether a forehand or backhand volley, remember two critical points – minimal backswing and a firm wrist. The power comes from the forward momentum and the angle of the racket, not from a big swing.
b. Half Volley
Definition: A shot that’s neither a groundstroke nor a full volley, the half volley is played right after the ball bounces.
Timing and Execution: It’s all about timing. You’ll want to get low, bending your knees, to meet the ball as it rises from the bounce. It’s a delicate shot and needs a soft touch.
c. Overhead Smash
Definition: The tennis equivalent of a slam dunk in basketball, this is a shot played forcefully from above the player’s head.
Best Scenarios: When an opponent pops up a weak lob, the overhead smash is the shot of choice to finish the point emphatically.
4. Defensive Shots (return)
Defensive play in tennis is an art. It’s about resilience, patience, and waiting for the right moment to turn defense into offense.
a. Lob
Definition: With a high arc, the lob is designed to clear an opponent at the net.
Offensive vs. Defensive Lobs: While the defensive lob aims to buy time or push back a net-rushing opponent, an offensive lob is struck with the intent to win the point, usually when the opponent is too close to the net.
b. Slice (or Underspin)
Definition: This groundstroke is characterized by backspin, causing the ball to stay low.
Usage: The slice can be a game-changer. It forces the opponent to hit up on the ball, potentially leading to weak returns. It’s also a great tool for changing the pace of a rally.
6. Specialty Shots
As the game of tennis has evolved, so too have the array of shots players employ to gain an advantage.
a. Drop Shot
Definition: With just enough energy to clear the net, the drop shot is tennis’s answer to misdirection.
Strategy: Best executed when your opponent is deep, the drop shot forces them to sprint forward, often resulting in a weak return or no return at all.
b. Tweener (or Between-the-Legs Shot)
Definition: A blend of flair and function, this shot is played from between the player’s legs.
Famous Examples: Players like Roger Federer and Nick Kyrgios have popularized this shot. Beyond its entertainment value, the ‘tweener can be a last-resort shot when a player finds themselves out of position.
c. Topspin and Sidespin
Usage: By altering the ball’s trajectory and bounce, topspin and sidespin can make life difficult for an opponent, keeping them guessing on every return.
Drills and Practice
“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” This quote by Bruce Lee holds as true in tennis as in martial arts.
Recommendations: Repetition is key. For every shot, from the basic volley to the intricate topspin, practice is essential. It embeds the movement into muscle memory, ensuring that in the heat of the match, your body knows what to do. Consider working with a coach or using ball machines to simulate match scenarios.
