Types of Tennis Shots You Need To Know

Tennis is a thrilling blend of skill, strategy, and precision. Each shot in the game can turn the tide, and mastering the array of shots available can provide a significant edge on the court. As we watch elite players we see long rallies filled with power and finesse.

Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned player, understanding and perfecting these shots is crucial for improving your game. Let’s check out the most vital tennis shots, including forehands, backhands, volleys, lobs, and beyond.

What is a forehand in tennis?

The forehand is one of the most fundamental shots in tennis and is known as a groundstroke. It can be used to bring power and/or spin to a rally and help you control a point. Executed by swinging the racket with your dominant hand across your body, it can deliver tremendous speed and spin, making it a potent offensive tool. It’s usually hit from just behind the baseline to produce a long, powerful shot. Here are some of the ways you can play a forehand:

1. Flat Forehand: This shot is known for its speed and power, hit with minimal spin. The closer you can take it to the net, the more pressure you put your opponent under. This shot leaves the opponent with very little time to react. However, this can be risky!

2. Topspin Forehand: By brushing up on the ball with the racket, you create topspin, causing the ball to dip quickly and bounce high, challenging your opponent. This shot can bring real speed and aggression to the point and can drive your opponent backwards creating more space near the net.

3. Slice Forehand: This shot uses backspin, making the ball skid low and bounce unpredictably. This is a really tricky shot that will take practice, but it’s a great way to change the speed of the ball during a rally.

What is a backhand in tennis?

The backhand is another fundamental shot, played by striking the ball on your non-dominant side. It gets it’s name because you play it on the back side of your normal playing stance. While often seen as a defensive shot, a strong backhand can be as equally devastating as a forehand.

Variations include:

1. One-Handed Backhand: This classic technique allows for more wrist action and spin. You can’t help but think of the elegance of Federer for this shot.

2. Two-Handed Backhand: Favoured for its stability and power, especially effective against high balls. This is one of the most technically difficult shots to execute well.

3. Slice Backhand: Similar to the slice forehand, it imparts backspin, causing the ball to stay low. It then takes a more abrupt bounce and keeps your opponent on their toes.

What is a volley in tennis?

A volley is performed before the ball bounces, usually close to the net or on the approach. Essential in doubles and a powerful weapon in singles, volleys demand quick reflexes, strategic positioning, and precise control.

Many still lament the lack of serve volley tennis in the elite modern game. This can be a very powerful strategy as it gives your opponent very little time to get comfortable and take initiative in the point, allowing the player to take control of the game. Types of volleys include:

1. Drive Volley: A forceful, flat shot used to finish points. One of those shots that helps you send a message to your opponent.

2. Punch Volley: A compact, controlled shot to handle difficult balls. This is one of the harder shots to play well but worth working on to have in your game.

3. Half Volley: Executed just after the ball bounces, requiring swift footwork and timing.

What is a lob in tennis?

A lob is a very high, arcing shot that sends the ball over the opponent’s head, forcing them to retreat. It’s great for shifting the pace or countering aggressive net play during defensive play to allow for more time for a player to reposition themselves on the court. This is needed when the rally is fast and the opponent is running a player from tramline to tramline chasing the shots. There are two main lobs:

1. Offensive Lob: Hit with topspin to potentially win the point outright. The closer to the baseline the better with this one.

2. Defensive Lob: A higher trajectory shot aimed at regaining court position. Usually this is a Hail Mary shot to keep the point going.

 

What is an overhead smash in tennis?

Most lobs are dealt by returning with an overhead smash. It’s basically the same motion as a tennis serve, where a player hits the ball with their racket in a downward motion with great power – usually hit close to the net. This is so the shot bounces too high, too hard and in a difficult to reach position on court for the opponent to return – used to kill the point.

 

What is a drop shot in tennis?

Dropshots are strategically used to drop the ball right over the net. Hit gently and delicately, the opponent has to sprint towards the ball it to reach and return the shot before it bounces twice. When a drop shot is hit with a soft touch, the pace of the game is disrupted and switches from an intense, deep baseline rally to a moment of sudden panic for the player on the receiving end. It’s great to catch an opponent off guard!

What is a tweener in tennis?

A tweener is a flashy, between-the-legs shot often used when running back to the baseline. We’ve all seen this one from some of the best players in the world – and it always sends the crowd cheering!

The more types of shots you are able to play confidently the more versatile and unpredictable a player you will be. Knowing when to deploy them can transform your game, making you a formidable opponent. Whether playing casually or competitively, broadening your shot selection adds depth to your play and keeps your opponents on their toes.

Now you know the main shots, you’re ready to get yourself to some of the greatest tournaments and enjoy watching the top players hit these fantastic shots. Now, why not test your tennis terminology knowledge and read up on our guide here.

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