Mastering Tennis Moves: Forehand, Backhand, Serve, Volley, Smash, And Drop Shot Names

By Patrick

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Want to improve your tennis game? Learn the names and of different moves such as forehand, backhand, serve, , smash, and drop shot with our comprehensive . Master your skills and dominate the court!

Forehand Tennis Moves

The forehand is one of the most important shots in tennis, and mastering different types of shots can make a huge difference in your gameplay. In this section, we’ll explore the different types of forehand shots and how to execute them effectively.

Topspin Forehand

The topspin forehand is a powerful shot that is used to generate spin and speed. It involves brushing the ball from low to high, which creates topspin and helps the ball dip down into the court. To execute a topspin forehand, you need to have a good grip on the racket and a solid understanding of the mechanics of the shot. The key is to keep your wrist loose and relaxed, and to use your whole body to generate power. As you hit the ball, rotate your hips and shoulders and follow through with your racket to maximize the spin and speed.

Flat Forehand

The flat forehand is a more direct shot that is used to hit the ball with power and speed. It involves hitting the ball flat, without any spin, which makes it difficult for your opponent to return. To execute a flat forehand, you need to have a strong grip on the racket and a good sense of timing. The key is to hit the ball at the right moment, using your whole body to generate power, and to follow through with your racket to ensure a clean contact.

Slice Forehand

The slice forehand is a shot that is used to generate spin and control. It involves slicing the ball from high to low, which creates backspin and helps the ball stay low over the net. To execute a slice forehand, you need to have a good grip on the racket and a solid understanding of the mechanics of the shot. The key is to keep your wrist firm and your racket face closed, and to use your whole body to generate power. As you hit the ball, rotate your hips and shoulders and follow through with your racket to maximize the spin and control.


Backhand Tennis Moves

When it comes to backhand tennis moves, there are three main types to choose from: the one-handed , the two-handed backhand, and the slice backhand. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to choose the one that best suits your playing style.

One-Handed Backhand

The one-handed backhand is a classic move that requires a lot of skill and practice to master. It’s a great option for players who prefer a more elegant and versatile playing style. The one-handed allows for more reach and flexibility, which can be useful in a variety of situations. However, it can also be more difficult to control and requires a strong wrist and forearm.

To perform a one-handed backhand, start by positioning yourself at the baseline with your feet shoulder-width apart. As the ball approaches, step forward with your front foot and rotate your hips and shoulders towards the net. Swing the racquet back with your dominant arm and bring it forward in a smooth motion, making contact with the ball just in front of your body.

Two-Handed Backhand

The two-handed backhand is a more modern and popular option, especially among younger players. It offers more power and stability than the one-handed backhand, making it a great choice for players who prefer a more aggressive playing style. However, it can also be less flexible and can limit your range of motion.

To perform a two-handed , start by positioning yourself at the baseline with your feet shoulder-width apart. As the ball approaches, step forward with your front foot and rotate your hips and shoulders towards the net. Grip the racquet with both hands, making sure your non-dominant hand is positioned above your dominant hand. Swing the racquet back and bring it forward in a smooth motion, making contact with the ball in front of your body.

Slice Backhand

The slice backhand is a unique and versatile move that can be used to keep your opponents off balance and create different types of shots. It’s a great option for players who prefer a more defensive and tactical playing style. The slice backhand requires a lot of finesse and control, and it can be difficult to execute if you’re not used to it.

To perform a slice backhand, start by positioning yourself at the baseline with your feet shoulder-width apart. As the ball approaches, step forward with your front foot and rotate your hips and shoulders towards the net. Grip the racquet with your dominant hand and swing it back in a smooth motion. As you bring the racquet forward, slice the ball with a downward and forward motion, making contact with the ball just below its center.


Serve Tennis Moves

Serving is one of the most critical aspects of tennis. It is the only time in the game where you have complete control of the ball, and it gives you the opportunity to start the point on the offensive. In this section, we will discuss the three primary types of serves – the flat serve, the slice serve, and the kick .

Flat Serve

The flat serve is the most common type of serve in tennis. It involves hitting the ball with a flat, horizontal swing path, which generates a lot of speed and power. The goal of a flat serve is to hit the ball deep into the opponent’s court, making it difficult for them to return. To execute a flat , you need to have a fast arm speed and a strong wrist snap at the moment of contact.

Slice Serve

The slice serve is a more advanced type of serve that is used to create variety and deception. It involves hitting the ball with a sideways spin, which causes the ball to curve in the air and bounce to the side when it lands. The goal of a slice serve is to hit the ball wide, making it difficult for the opponent to reach and return. To execute a slice serve, you need to have a smooth swing path and a relaxed wrist.

Kick Serve

The kick serve is a type of that is used to create an extreme amount of topspin, which causes the ball to bounce high and kick up off the court. It is a difficult to master, but it can be very effective against opponents who struggle with high-bouncing balls. The goal of a kick serve is to hit the ball into the opponent’s body or out wide, making it difficult for them to return. To execute a kick , you need to have a fast arm speed and a strong upward motion at the moment of contact.


Volley Tennis Moves

If you’re looking to improve your tennis game, mastering the volley is an essential skill. This move involves hitting the ball before it bounces on your side of the court, allowing you to control the pace of the game and put pressure on your opponent. In this section, we’ll cover three types of volleys: the volley, the backhand volley, and the overhead volley.

Forehand Volley

The forehand volley is a versatile shot that can be used to put away easy volleys or redirect a powerful shot from your opponent. To execute this move, start with your racquet in a ready position, with your non-dominant hand on the throat of the racquet. As the ball approaches, step forward with your dominant foot and swing your racquet forward, keeping your wrist firm and your elbow close to your body. Make contact with the ball in front of your body and follow through towards your target. With practice, you’ll be able to add spin and power to your .

Backhand Volley

The backhand is a bit more challenging, as it requires good footwork and coordination. Start with your racquet in a ready position, with your non-dominant hand on the throat of the racquet. As the ball approaches, step forward with your non-dominant foot, pivot on your back foot, and swing your racquet forward, keeping your wrist firm and your elbow close to your body. Make contact with the ball in front of your body and follow through towards your target. With practice, you’ll be able to anticipate your opponent’s shots and use your backhand volley to put pressure on them.

Overhead Volley

The overhead volley is a powerful move that can be used to hit high volleys or smash overhead shots. Start by positioning yourself near the net, with your racquet in a ready position. As the ball approaches, take a few steps back and prepare to jump. As you jump, swing your racquet back and then forward, making contact with the ball at the highest point of your jump. Follow through towards your target and land on your feet. With practice, you’ll be able to time your jumps and use your overhead to dominate the net.


Smash Tennis Move

Are you looking to add some power to your tennis game? Look no further than the smash tennis move. This move is all about hitting the ball with force and precision, causing your opponent to scramble to return it. In this section, we’ll break down the forehand and backhand smash, giving you everything you need to know to master this impressive move.

Forehand Smash

The smash is a powerful move that can completely change the momentum of a game. To execute this move, you’ll want to start by positioning yourself under the ball, with your non-dominant shoulder facing the net. As the ball comes down, bring your dominant arm back and then swing it forward, making contact with the ball at the highest point possible. Follow through with your swing, pointing your dominant arm towards the court. With practice, you’ll be able to add speed and accuracy to your forehand smash, making it a formidable weapon in your arsenal.

Backhand Smash

While the smash may be more common, the smash is no less impressive. To execute this move, you’ll want to position yourself with your non-dominant shoulder facing the net, just like with the forehand smash. As the ball comes down, bring your dominant arm back and then swing it forward, making contact with the ball at the highest point possible. Follow through with your swing, twisting your body to add extra power to the shot. With practice, you’ll be able to add speed and accuracy to your backhand smash, making it a valuable addition to your game.


Drop Shot Tennis Move

If you want to add a touch of finesse to your game, the drop shot is a great option. This shot is played softly and lands just over the net, making it difficult for your opponent to reach. The drop shot is a great way to catch your opponent off guard and win points on the court.

Forehand Drop Shot

To execute a forehand drop shot, start by setting up for a regular forehand shot. Instead of following through with a full swing, shorten your backswing and make contact with the ball just before it reaches the peak of its bounce. Keep your wrist relaxed and use a gentle touch to direct the ball over the net.

Backhand Drop Shot

The backhand drop shot is similar to the forehand drop shot, but with a few key differences. Start by positioning yourself for a regular shot. Instead of hitting the ball with a full swing, shorten your backswing and use a gentle touch to guide the ball over the net. Keep your wrist relaxed and use your fingers to add spin to the ball, making it even more difficult for your opponent to return.

In conclusion, the drop shot is a great way to add variety to your game and catch your opponent off guard. Whether you prefer the forehand or backhand drop shot, remember to keep your wrist relaxed and use a gentle touch to the ball over the net. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to execute this shot with ease and improve your overall performance on the court.

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