List of All Strokes in Tennis (How to Execute)

Tennis is a sport that requires a diverse range of strokes to master.

From powerful serves to delicate drop shots, each stroke has its own unique technique and purpose.

Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player aiming to refine your skills, understanding and executing these strokes effectively is crucial for success on the court.

Below we have a comprehensive list of all the essential strokes in tennis, providing step-by-step instructions on how to execute them.

Table of Contents

1. Forehand

The forehand is one of the most fundamental strokes in tennis and is executed by hitting the ball with the palm of your hand facing the net.

To perform a forehand stroke:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
Hold the racket with both hands, using a grip that feels comfortable for you.
As the ball approaches, rotate your upper body and shoulders to face the net.
Extend your non-dominant arm towards the ball for balance.
Swing the racket forward, making contact with the ball in front of your body.
Follow through with your swing, bringing the racket across your body.

Practice this stroke repeatedly to develop consistency and power in your forehand.

2. Backhand

The backhand stroke is executed by hitting the ball with the back of your hand facing the net.

There are two main types of backhand strokes: the one-handed backhand and the two-handed backhand.

Here’s how to execute each:

2.1 One-Handed Backhand

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
Hold the racket with your dominant hand, using a grip that feels comfortable for you.
As the ball approaches, rotate your upper body and shoulders to face the net.
Extend your non-dominant arm towards the ball for balance.
Step forward with your front foot and swing the racket forward, making contact with the ball in front of your body.
Follow through with your swing, bringing the racket across your body.

2.2 Two-Handed Backhand

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
Hold the racket with both hands, using a grip that feels comfortable for you.
As the ball approaches, rotate your upper body and shoulders to face the net.
Extend your non-dominant arm towards the ball for balance.
Step forward with your front foot and swing the racket forward, making contact with the ball in front of your body.
Follow through with your swing, bringing the racket across your body.

Practice both types of backhand strokes to determine which one suits your playing style best.

8 Basic Tennis Shots Explained

3. Serve

The serve is the stroke that starts each point in tennis and is crucial for gaining an advantage over your opponent.

To execute a powerful serve:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
Hold the racket with your dominant hand, using a grip that feels comfortable for you.
Position yourself behind the baseline, with your non-dominant foot slightly ahead of the other.
Toss the ball into the air with your non-dominant hand, slightly in front of you.
As the ball reaches its highest point, explode upwards and forwards with your legs and hips.
Simultaneously swing your racket upwards, making contact with the ball at its highest point.
Follow through with your swing, extending your arm towards the net.

Mastering the serve takes time and practice, so be patient and focus on developing a consistent technique.

4. Volley

The volley is a stroke that is executed by hitting the ball before it bounces on the ground.

It is often used when playing close to the net or in doubles matches.

To execute a volley:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
Hold the racket with both hands, using a grip that feels comfortable for you.
Position yourself near the net, with your knees slightly bent and your weight on the balls of your feet.
Keep your racket up and in front of you, ready to make contact with the ball.
As the ball approaches, move your racket towards it and make contact with a short, controlled swing.
Follow through with your swing, keeping your eyes on the ball.

Practicing volleys with a partner or against a wall can help improve your reflexes and accuracy.

5. Overhead Smash

The overhead smash is a powerful stroke that is executed when the ball is high in the air, allowing you to hit it with force towards your opponent’s side of the court. To execute an overhead smash:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
Hold the racket with both hands, using a grip that feels comfortable for you.
Position yourself near the baseline, with your non-dominant foot slightly ahead of the other.
As the ball approaches, move towards it and position yourself directly underneath it.
Extend your non-dominant arm towards the ball for balance.
Swing the racket upwards, making contact with the ball at its highest point.
Follow through with your swing, bringing the racket down towards your opponent’s side of the court.

Practicing overhead smashes with a partner or against a wall can help improve your timing and power.

6. Drop Shot

The drop shot is a stroke that is executed by hitting the ball softly, causing it to barely clear the net and land close to it on your opponent’s side of the court. To execute a drop shot:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
Hold the racket with both hands, using a grip that feels comfortable for you.
Position yourself near the baseline, with your non-dominant foot slightly ahead of the other.
As the ball approaches, swing the racket gently, making contact with the ball just above the net.
Follow through with your swing, keeping your eyes on the ball.

Mastering the drop shot requires touch and finesse, so practice it regularly to develop a delicate touch.

7. Slice

The slice shot is a common tennis technique used to add variety and control to your shots.

It involves hitting the ball with backspin, causing it to stay low and skid off the court upon landing.

The slice shot is particularly useful in defensive situations, as it allows you to keep the ball low and force your opponent to hit up on the ball, making it harder for them to generate power.

To execute a slice shot in tennis, you can follow these steps:

Prepare your stance: Position yourself behind the ball with your feet shoulder-width apart and parallel to the baseline. Bend your knees slightly and get into a comfortable athletic position.
Grip the racket: For a slice shot, a continental grip is commonly used. This grip involves placing the base knuckle of your index finger on the third bevel of the racket handle, allowing for a combination of power and control.
Backswing: Begin your backswing by taking the racket back with your non-dominant hand guiding the racket head. Rotate your shoulders and hips as you bring the racket back, keeping your eyes on the ball.
Contact point: As the ball approaches, position yourself so that you make contact with the ball slightly in front and to the side of your body. The racket face should be open and angled downward, creating the desired backspin.
Swing motion: Initiate the forward swing with your hips and shoulders rotating towards the net. Maintain a smooth and controlled swing, brushing the back of the ball with an upward-to-downward motion. The goal is to generate backspin by sliding the racket under the ball.
Follow-through: After making contact, continue the swing with your racket finishing low and across your body. The follow-through should be relaxed and natural, with your weight transferring forward onto your front foot.
Footwork and positioning: Adjust your footwork according to the shot and your desired ball placement. As you execute the slice, you can step forward with your front foot, allowing you to transfer weight onto that foot and generate more power.

8. Lob

A lob shot in tennis is a useful technique when you want to hit the ball high and deep, over your opponent’s head, and land it close to the baseline.

A well-executed lob can buy you time to recover on the court or put your opponent on the defensive.

To execute a lob shot in tennis, you can follow these steps:

Positioning: Evaluate the situation and position yourself appropriately on the court. Typically, you’ll be farther back from the net to give yourself enough space to execute the lob.
Grip the racket: Similar to other shots in tennis, you can use a continental grip or an eastern grip for the lob shot, depending on your preference and comfort. The continental grip is a common choice for its versatility.
Preparation: As the ball approaches, position yourself behind it with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Keep your eyes focused on the ball, adjusting your stance and positioning as needed.
Backswing: Begin your backswing by taking the racket back with your non-dominant hand guiding the racket head. Rotate your shoulders and hips as you bring the racket back, preparing to generate upward lift on the ball.
Contact point: Timing is crucial for a successful lob shot. Aim to make contact with the ball when it’s slightly in front and above you. The racket face should be open and angled upward to help create the necessary height and trajectory.
Swing motion: Initiate the forward swing with your hips and shoulders rotating towards the net. As you swing upward, make sure to brush the underside of the ball with a slightly upward-to-downward motion. This will generate the required lift for the lob.
Follow-through: After making contact, continue the swing with your racket finishing high and across your body. The follow-through should be relaxed and natural. Allow your weight to shift forward onto your front foot as you complete the stroke.
Tracking the ball: Keep your eyes on the ball as it sails over the net and adjusts your positioning on the court accordingly. Anticipate your opponent’s response and be prepared to transition to your next shot.
Footwork and recovery: After hitting the lob, quickly reposition yourself on the court, preparing for your opponent’s return. Use quick, nimble footwork to recover to an optimal defensive or offensive position.

Summary

Tennis is a sport that requires a wide range of strokes to master.

From the powerful forehand to the delicate drop shot, each stroke has its own unique technique and purpose.

By understanding and executing these strokes effectively, you can improve your overall game and gain an advantage over your opponents.

Practice each stroke regularly, focusing on technique and consistency, to enhance your skills on the court.

Mastering these strokes takes time and dedication, so be patient and enjoy the process of becoming a better tennis player.

FAQs – List of All Strokes in Tennis

1. What are the different types of strokes in tennis?

In tennis, there are several different types of strokes, including the forehand, backhand, serve, volley, overhead smash, and drop shot. Each stroke has its own unique technique and purpose.

2. How do I improve my forehand stroke?

To improve your forehand stroke, practice regularly and focus on proper technique. Work on your footwork, grip, and swing to develop consistency and power in your forehand.

3. Which grip should I use for my backhand stroke?

The grip you use for your backhand stroke depends on whether you prefer a one-handed or two-handed backhand. Experiment with different grips to find the one that feels most comfortable and allows you to execute the stroke effectively.

4. How can I develop a powerful serve?

To develop a powerful serve, focus on your technique and practice regularly. Work on your toss, leg drive, and racket acceleration to generate more power in your serve.

5. What is the purpose of a volley in tennis?

The purpose of a volley in tennis is to hit the ball before it bounces on the ground, often when playing close to the net or in doubles matches. Volleys are used to put pressure on your opponent and control the pace of the game.

6. When should I use an overhead smash?

An overhead smash is typically used when the ball is high in the air, allowing you to hit it with force towards your opponent’s side of the court.

It is often used as a defensive or offensive shot to gain an advantage in the point.

7. How can I improve my drop shot?

To improve your drop shot, practice regularly and focus on developing touch and finesse.

Work on controlling the depth and spin of your shots to make them difficult for your opponent to reach.

8. Can I use these strokes in both singles and doubles matches?

Yes, these strokes can be used in both singles and doubles matches. However, the strategy and positioning may vary depending on the game format.

9. Are there any drills I can do to improve my strokes?

Yes, there are several drills you can do to improve your strokes.

For example, you can practice hitting against a wall to work on your consistency and accuracy, or you can do shadow swings to focus on your technique and footwork.

10. How long does it take to master these strokes?

The time it takes to master these strokes varies from person to person.

It depends on factors such as your natural ability, practice frequency, and dedication to improving. Consistent practice and a focus on proper technique will help you progress faster.

11. What are groundstrokes?

Groundstrokes in tennis refer to shots hit from the baseline, either forehand or backhand, after the ball has bounced.

These shots are typically executed with a full swing and are fundamental to the game, allowing players to engage in rallies, create offensive opportunities, and control the tempo of the match.