Introduction to Tennis Basics

In this lecture, we will cover the fundamental strokes of tennis, including the serve, forehand, backhand, and volley. Additionally, a crucial secret to improve your game will be revealed.

The Serve

• Importance: Begins every point; often considered the most important shot.
• Common Mistake: Pushy motion (facing forward, low contact point, "pattycake" motion).
• Proper Technique:
  • Use body to power the shot rather than just the arm.
  • Turn to the side and rotate forward while swinging.
  • Toss the ball over the shoulder (right-handed: right shoulder; left-handed: left shoulder).
  • Contact point should be slightly in front of the body.

Forehand Ground Stroke

• Definition: A shot on the dominant side of the body after the ball bounces once.
• Common Mistake: Using only the arm, leading to injury.
• Proper Technique:
  • Use body movement with a relaxed arm.
  • Swing path: start below the contact point, contact, then finish above.
  • Contact point should be near the front foot, with the racket vertically straight.

Backhand Stroke

• Types: Two-handed and one-handed.
• Common Mistake: Arming the shot without using the body.
• Two-Handed Backhand:
  • Use body to swing; contact in front of the toe.
  • Follow through with the racket going out and around.
• One-Handed Backhand:
  • Contact is further in front than two-handed.
  • Follow through with an extended, elevated finish.

Volley

• Definition: Shot hit before the ball bounces.
• Purpose: Aggressive technique to attack by taking time away from the opponent.
• Common Mistake: Panic and tension, leading to loss of control.
• Proper Technique:
  • Stay calm and smooth; avoid abrupt, jerky motions.
  • Contact should be slightly in front; hand relaxed for finesse and placement.

Key Secret to Effective Tennis

• Racket Face Orientation: The direction of the racket face determines the ball's trajectory.
  • If the racket faces down, the ball goes down.
  • If the racket faces up, the ball goes up.
  • This principle applies to all strokes and requires small adjustments for accuracy.

These fundamentals and the highlighted secret are vital to developing a solid foundation in tennis and improving your gameplay.