It is unlikely that a tennis ball will have absolutely no spin when you hit it. However; you can reduce the amount of spin and flatten out your ground strokes with the correct grip and technique. The grip is crucial because it dictates where you contact the ball, the angle of the racket face and the amount of spin you impart on the ball. You have little margin for error when hitting a flatter ball.
Grips
Step 1
Hold your tennis racket on its edge with the tip of the head pointing away from you. In this position, the strings are perpendicular to the court's surface. Study the end of the handle. Notice that there are eight sides or bevels. Number the bevel on the top No. 1, the next one to the right, clockwise, No. 2, and so on. Place the base knuckle of your index finger and the heel of your right hand on bevel No. 3. This grip is called the Eastern forehand grip and is the grip to use to flatten out your forehand ground strokes. Left-handed players use bevel No. 7.
Step 2
Move your hand counterclockwise two bevels. The base knuckle of your index finger and the heel of your hand are now on bevel No. 1. This is the grip to use for a one-handed backhand, and is called the Eastern backhand grip. Left-handed players move two bevels clockwise.
Step 3
Place the base knuckle of your index finger and the heel of your right hand on bevel No. 2. Put the base knuckle of your index finger and the heel of your left hand on bevel No. 6, above your right hand. This grip is used by right-handed players and is common hand positioning for a two-handed backhand. Left-handed players use bevel No. 8 for their left hand and No. 4 for their right hand.
Strike Zone and Contact Point
Step 1
Watch the trajectory of the incoming ball. A ball that has very little net clearance stays low and may land short. This requires you to move forward to hit the ball in your strike zone. The strike zone is the height of the ball and the distance to the contact point in relation to your body. With an Eastern grip, your strike zone is generally located waist high and off to the side of your body. A high incoming ball bounces high after it hits the court's surface. One way to hit this ball is to back up and wait for the ball to fall into your strike zone.
Step 2
Practice moving into position early. This helps you maintain the ideal strike zone for hitting a powerful, flat ball. Take your racket back early as you quickly position yourself and gain your balance. Shift your weight onto your back foot.
Step 3
Contact the ball with the racket face square to the ball. There should be no angle or tilt of the racket face. The racket is on edge, meaning the strings are perpendicular with the court and the edge of the frame is pointing toward the court. When you contact the ball, hit it in the center on the backside.
Swing Path
Step 1
Swing your racket parallel to the surface of the court to flatten out your ground strokes. Whether you take your racket back with a loop motion or straight back, the swing path is relatively parallel as you approach the ball to make contact.
Step 2
Move your weight forward onto your front foot as you hit the ball. Aim for a 1-foot clearance of the net. Swing through the point of contact and follow the ball's outgoing flight path with your racket head as long as possible. Don't slow down after contact; maintain the momentum of the swing.
Step 3
Swing the racket in an upward direction only after the ball has left the racket strings. Finish the swing on the opposite side of your body.
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