The basic tennis Skills Taught at Racket + Hope

“Luck has nothing to do with it, because I have spent many, many hours, countless hours, on the court working for my one moment in time, not knowing when it would come.” — Serena Williams

1. Forehand: Usually a player's strongest shot because it uses the dominant hand, the key to a great forehand is footwork, racquet preparation, and balance. Players bend their knees, and stay turned with the hips and torso coiled before striking the ball.

2. Backhand: A player's weaker shot because it uses the non-dominant hand. Backhands are either one-handed or two-handed. A one-handed backhand allows for longer reach; two-handed backhands provides more stability and control. Children may find the added strength of a second hand more suitable.

3. Volley: A volley occurs when a player approach the net and hit the ball from the air. Making a strong volley involves a short backswing and hitting the ball when it’s directly in front.

4. Serve: All points begin with a serve; it is the most important shot in tennis. The key to this stroke is fluidity, rotation and use of the entire body to snap the racket upward into the ball. Players most commonly begin with both racket and ball together in front of the body, then bring the racket back while tossing the ball in the air. The tossing hand is extended upwards and the racquet head is pointed up and behind the head before hitting through the ball.

5. Footwork: Players actually rack up miles of walking and running throughout the course of a match. Endurance is key, but so is footwork thanks to quick movements and dance-like steps. Knowing the basic idea behind certain footwork techniques helps players be economical with movements.