Tennis groundstrokes are those shots you hit after the ball hits the ground, other than an overhead. You hit serves, volleys and overheads when the ball is in the air, before it lands on your side of the net. Some overheads require that you let the ball bounce, but you make contact with them well over your head, using a serving-like motion. To hit groundstrokes in tennis, learn to position yourself correctly so you can swing your racket smoothly into the ball.
Preparation
Step 1
Stand in the ready position to receive balls. Face your opponent with your feet about shoulder width and both hands on the racket, with the racket throat even with the middle of your body.
Step 2
Place your right hitting hand against the strings of the racket if you are right-handed and slide it down to the grip. Hold this grip — the Continental — during your ready position. This will allow you to quickly change your grip for a forehand or backhand, depending on what type of shot comes to you. Place your left hand directly above your right hand on the grip.
Step 3
Bend your knees slightly and put your weight on the balls of your feet.
Forehand
Step 1
Place your hitting hand against the strings of the racket and slide it down to the grip. Turn the racket one bevel to the left, if you are right-handed, so that the low knuckle of your ring finger is on the fat bevel of the grip. Use this Eastern forehand grip to hit forehands.
Step 2
From your ready position, turn your shoulders and point the butt of your racket at the incoming ball as soon as you see where the ball is coming. Change your grip from a Continental to an Eastern grip as you do this.
Step 3
Run toward the ball, aiming for a position that allows you to hit the ball on the right side of your body.
Step 4
Swing the racket toward the ball with your palm facing forward. Hit the ball slightly in front of your body. Swing through the ball, finishing with your right bicep near your chin and the racket over your left shoulder.
Backhand
Step 1
From your ready position, turn your shoulders and point the butt of your racket at the incoming ball as soon as you see where the ball is coming. Keep your ready position grip. Keep your ready position grip.
Step 2
Run toward the ball, aiming for a position that allows you to hit the ball on the left side of your body.
Step 3
Swing the racket toward the ball with the back of your right hand and the palm of your left hand facing the ball. Swing the racket using your left hand to drive it forward and your right hand to balance it. Hit the ball slightly in front of your body. Finish the swing with your left bicep near your chin and your racket over your right shoulder.
Step 4
Practice hitting left-handed forehands to learn the role of the left hand during a backhand.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice hitting left-handed forehands to learn the role of the left hand during a backhand.
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