A tennis player has eight basic shots in his armory. Choosing which shot to use in any given situation depends on a variety of factors, including the position of the ball on the court, your opponent's position and your preferred offensive or defensive style.
Serve
Unlike the other standard tennis shots, the serve takes place from a dead ball situation. Fundamentally, the serve is simply a way to start a game or restart after a player has scored a point. In the modern professional game, however, the serve has become a potent point-scoring weapon.
Forehand
"The forehand shot in tennis is the game's principle and most frequently used weapon," says the Talk Tennis website. It is the most natural tennis shot and offers a great deal of control and power. You will typically use the forehand when the ball approaches the racket-holding side of your body. The action is similar to striking the ball with the palm of your hand.
Backhand
If you are a right-handed player, you will use the backhand shot to strike a ball approaching to your left. Bring your racket-holding arm across your body and strike the ball as if you were using the back of your hand.
Volley
A volley is the term applied to hitting the ball before it has bounced. This can be anywhere on the court, from volleying a long return near the baseline to a volley just above the net. Volleys the ball allows you to return it quickly, giving your opponent little time to reposition himself on the court. Some players use a "serve and volley" tactic, whereby they serve the ball before quickly rushing to the net to attack the return of service with a volley.
Half Volley
Half volleys are tricky to master, but they are useful for returning awkward balls for which no other shot is perfectly suited. To execute a half volley, strike the ball immediately after it has bounced. You will normally need very little or no backswing. According to Jim Brown in his book "Tennis: Steps to Success," players never plan to use the half volley stroke before a match begins. The shot is far from ideal as it offers little control, functioning primarily as a last-resort return rather than a favored shot or tactical ploy.
Overhead
If the ball bounces high enough on your side of the court, you can return it using an overhead shot. Raise your racket above your head and strike the ball downwards into your opponent's side of the court. This is a great way to return with power, but if you sacrifice control for strength, you risk burying the ball in the net or hitting it off the court.
Lob
A lob is a lofted shot designed to float over your opponent. The ideal time for a lob shot is when your opponent approaches the net. This will leave space at the back of the court into which you can lob the ball, leaving your opponent stranded at the net.
Drop Shot
A successful drop shot requires excellent ball control and tactical awareness. According to the BBC Sport website, you should attempt a drop shot when you have "forced your opponent back behind the baseline with a series of deep and powerful shots." With your opponent on the baseline, try to surprise them with a delicate return that drops the ball just over the net. If done correctly, you opponent will have to rush forward in a desperate attempt to return the ball.
References
- Talk Tennis: The Forehand
- "Tennis: Steps to Success"; Jim Brown; 2004
- BBC Sport: Drop Shot
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