Tennis Technique: Mastering the Serve, Forehand, Backhand, and Volley 

Steve Palmer

If you’re just starting out with tennis, you might feel like there’s a whole bunch of fancy words and moves that can be pretty confusing. You know, stuff like “groundstroke” and all those rules and terms? It can feel like a lot to take in!

So, I’ve been getting lots of questions from people who are just getting into tennis, asking really basic stuff. Some folks aren’t even sure how to hit the ball! That’s why I’m writing this guide. I want to help beginners understand the basic moves and words in tennis. I’ll break down each type of shot and explain how to do it.

Now, if you’ve been playing or watching tennis for a while, this might all seem really obvious to you. But this guide is for folks who are just starting out and want to learn the basics. So, I’ll cover things like what each shot is called and how to do them. Let’s dive in! And remember, while enjoying the game, it’s important to be responsible, especially if considering sport betting on 1xBet site.

Basic Tennis Strokes

Alright, so in tennis, there are six main moves you use to hit the ball. They’re called strokes. Imagine them like the building blocks of playing tennis. These strokes are the serve, forehand groundstroke, backhand groundstroke, forehand volley, backhand volley, and overhead smash.

Now, when you swing your racket to hit the ball using one of these moves, that’s called a stroke. But what happens after you hit the ball and it goes flying over the net? That’s called a shot. So, for instance, if you smack the ball with a forehand groundstroke, that’s the stroke. But if your shot lands perfectly on the other side of the court, that’s the result of your stroke.

It might seem a bit tricky at first, but it’s important to understand the difference, especially if you’re just starting out with tennis. Just remember, all the different types of shots, like lobs or drop shots, they all come from using one of these six basic strokes.

Beginner tips: How to Serve step-by-step.

Here’s a simplified version of the steps for serving in tennis:

1. Hold your racket and ball in front of you to start.

2. Lean forward and toss the ball up with your non-dominant hand while bringing your racket arm back.

3. Get ready, your body should be coiled up and prepared to hit the ball.

4. Start to uncoil by pushing up with your legs, turning your body, and pulling your non-dominant arm down.

5. Keep extending and rotating as you swing your racket up and around.

6. Your body and head should be facing the net as you hit the ball.

7. Follow through by falling forward and to the left as your racket swings through the ball.

8. Finish by landing on your left foot (if you’re right-handed) with your dominant arm finishing the swing on the left side of your body.

Remember, serving can be tricky, so it’s important to stay relaxed, keep your technique simple, and focus on the fundamentals. Don’t stress too much about your arm movement—it’ll come naturally if your basic serve technique is good.

Beginner tips: How to hit a Forehand step-by-step.

Here’s a simplified guide on how to hit a topspin forehand from the baseline:

1. Get ready: When your opponent hits the ball, take a small hop with your legs apart.

2. As the ball comes towards you, keep your legs open and turn your hips, shoulders, and arms back.

3. Start to swing: Bring your dominant arm down to help create topspin as you move towards the ball.

4. Keep rotating and swing your racket up and over, making contact with the ball. Your body should face the net at this point.

5. Follow through: Extend your arm forward and across your body towards your non-dominant side.

6. Finish strong: Shift your weight to your left leg (if you’re right-handed) and keep your racket near your left shoulder.

Here are some extra tips:

Keep your right arm in a “handshake” position—not too close or too far from your body—to generate power and control.

Remember, your wrist, hand, and racket should be the last things to rotate through when you hit the ball.

Think of the forehand like a low serve; there are similar movements in your body.

Practice these steps to master your forehand stroke!

Beginner tips: How to hit a one-handed backhand step-by-step.

Here’s a simplified guide on how to hit a one-handed backhand groundstroke:

1. Get ready: Take a small hop to get balanced and prepared.

2. Move into position: While positioning yourself, start turning your upper body for the backswing. It’s easier if you have your feet in a closed or side-on position for better rotation and strength.

3. Take the backswing: Make sure your right shoulder (if you’re right-handed) is pointing at the ball.

4. Swing: Drop your arm down as you rotate and swing towards the ball.

5. Make contact: Keep rotating as your arm whips forward and up to hit the ball.

6. Follow through: Complete the motion by extending your arm to the right as you land with most of your weight on your dominant side.

In the images of Wawrinka, his arm is relatively straight at the point of contact, but it’s okay to have a slight bend in your arm to prevent injury. Remember to keep it simple, stay balanced, and have a relaxed swing. Mastering the basics will help you improve quickly.

Beginner tips: How to hit a backhand volley step-by-step.

Here’s a simple guide on how to hit a backhand volley:

1. Approach the net quickly with your racket ready and in front of you.

2. As the ball comes, keep it simple with a short backswing by rotating your upper body to the left.

3. Keep moving forward with your feet to meet the ball, and make contact with a short swing.

4. Transfer your body weight forward through the ball, and slightly rotate your upper body, bringing the racket forward and to the right, ending back in front of you.

Notice how Tim Henman’s swing is short in the image. Most of the work is done by his legs. This helps maintain control while generating power when you’re at the net.