The Different Types of Tennis Guide For Beginners

1️) Forehand – The Most Powerful Shot 

The forehand is the foundation of most players’ games. It’s the shot that delivers power, accuracy, and topspin, allowing you to take control of rallies.

How to Hit a Forehand:

1. Use an Eastern, Semi-Western, or Western grip for control.
2. Stand sideways with your dominant foot back.
3. Rotate your shoulders and swing low to high to generate topspin.
4. Follow through with your racquet finishing above your shoulder.

Why It’s Important:

✔ Used in 60%+ of shots in a typical match.
✔ Helps dictate play and create offensive opportunities.
✔ Can generate spin, depth, and speed.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them:

• Hitting too late → Strike the ball in front of your body.
• No follow-through → Extend your swing for better accuracy.
• Only using the arm → Engage your legs and core for power.

Learn from the pros: USTA Forehand Training Guide.

2️) Backhand – The Defensive and Versatile Shot

A strong backhand keeps you in control, even under pressure. It’s a crucial shot for returning aggressive shots and switching from defense to offense.

How to Hit a Backhand:

1. Choose between a one-handed or two-handed grip.
2. Rotate your shoulders and step into the shot.
3. Swing from low to high to generate topspin.

Why It’s Important:

✔ Essential for defensive play and counter-attacks.
✔ Generates spin and placement for strategic shots.
✔ Strong backhands make players unpredictable.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them:

• Poor balance → Keep feet stable and body aligned.
• Lack of power → Engage core and non-dominant hand for stability.
• Weak grip → Adjust grip for comfort and control.

Master your backhand: Tennis.com Backhand Guide.

3️) Serve – The Most Important Shot in Tennis

A strong serve helps you control the point from the very first shot. The best servers keep opponents off balance and earn easy points.

How to Serve:

1. Stand behind the baseline with a continental grip.
2. Toss the ball slightly in front for better reach.
3. Swing upward and strike the ball at its highest point.

Why It’s Important:

✔ Over 50% of points begin with a serve.
✔ Allows you to control rallies from the start.
✔ A great serve reduces opponent’s attack options.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them:

• Inconsistent toss → Keep toss controlled and consistent.
• No wrist snap → Flex wrist for powerful, accurate serves.
• Poor balance → Shift weight forward for momentum.

Learn pro-level serves: Harvard Research on Tennis.

4️) Return – Countering Your Opponent’s Serve

A well-executed return can immediately shift the momentum in your favor. Strong returners anticipate their opponent’s serve, react quickly, and place the ball strategically to neutralize the server’s advantage.

How to Return a Serve:

1. Stand in a ready position behind the baseline, with knees slightly bent.
2. Keep your racquet out in front for quick reactions.
3. Use a short backswing to react faster to the serve.
4. Aim to hit deep shots to push your opponent back.
5. Try to anticipate the server’s patterns and adjust your positioning accordingly.

Why It’s Important:

✔ One of the most critical shots in tennis—every point starts with a return.
✔ Neutralizes the server’s advantage and helps you regain control.
✔ A well-placed return can put immediate pressure on your opponent.
✔ Great for building confidence and consistency in match play.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them:

• Overcommitting too early → Stay light on your feet and react, don’t guess.
• Hitting too soft → Use a compact swing to redirect pace back to the server.
• Poor footwork → Focus on split-stepping as the opponent makes contact with the ball.
• Standing too far back → Move forward to cut off angles and take time away from the opponent.

Learn More: Advanced Tennis Return Tips.

5️) Volley – Winning Points at the Net

A great volley puts pressure on your opponent by cutting off their time to react. Mastering volley shots allows you to dominate at the net, shorten points, and finish rallies with precision.

How to Hit a Volley:

1. Hold a continental grip for both forehand and backhand volleys.
2. Keep your racquet above waist level and out in front.
3. Use short, controlled movements to punch the ball rather than swinging.
4. Step toward the ball to generate stability and control.
5. Focus on placement rather than power, aiming for sharp angles.

Why It’s Important:

✔ Essential for doubles matches, where net play is common.
✔ Helps shorten points by taking time away from your opponent.
✔ Improves hand-eye coordination and reflexes.
✔ Builds confidence in attacking the net and controlling rallies.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them:

• Swinging too much → Use a short, firm punch motion for volleys.
• Holding the racquet too tight → Keep a relaxed grip for a better feel.
• Standing too close to the net → Position yourself in the ideal volley zone (a few feet inside the service line).
• Not watching the ball → Keep your eyes focused on contact to avoid mishits.

Learn More: How to Improve Your Volleys.

6️) Drop Shot – The Ultimate Trick Shot

The drop shot is the ultimate finesse weapon in tennis. It forces your opponent to sprint forward, disrupting their rhythm and creating opportunities for easy winners.

How to Hit a Drop Shot:

1. Hold a continental or eastern grip for better finesse.
2. Slice underneath the ball with a soft touch.
3. Use wrist control to keep the ball low over the net.
4. Aim to have the ball bounce twice before your opponent reaches it.
5. Mix drop shots with regular groundstrokes to keep opponents guessing.

Why It’s Important:

✔ Disrupts your opponent’s rhythm by forcing them to run forward.
✔ Keeps aggressive baseliners off balance.
✔ Works best on slow surfaces like clay, where the ball doesn’t bounce high.
✔ Adds variety to your shot selection, making your game unpredictable.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them:

• Hitting the drop shot too hard → Use a gentle slice motion for more control.
• Giving away your intention → Use the same setup as a normal groundstroke to disguise the shot.
• Playing the drop shot at the wrong time → Use it when the opponent is deep behind the baseline.
• Not using enough spin → Slice under the ball to reduce bounce and keep it low.

Learn More: Drop Shot Drills for Beginners.

7️) Lob – The Defensive Lifesaver

A well-placed lob is the perfect counter to aggressive net players. It buys you time, pushes your opponent back, and can completely change the dynamic of a rally.

How to Hit a Lob:

1. Use a continental grip for maximum control.
2. Swing from low to high with a full follow-through.
3. Add topspin for an attacking lob or slice for a defensive lob.
4. Aim to hit deep into the opponent’s court to push them back.
5. Keep the shot high enough to clear the opponent at the net.

Why It’s Important:

✔ Great defensive shot when under pressure.
✔ Forces opponents to move back, resetting the rally.
✔ Works well against aggressive net players.
✔ A well-placed lob can turn defense into offense in one shot.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them:

• Hitting too short → Make sure to add enough height and depth.
• Not using enough spin → Use topspin lobs for offensive play and slice lobs for defense.
• Poor timing → Wait for the right moment, especially when an opponent rushes the net.
• Not disguising the shot → Keep a consistent backswing to avoid telegraphing your lob.

Learn More: Perfecting Your Lob.

8️) Overhead Smash – Finishing Shot at the Net

An overhead smash is your best tool for punishing weak lobs. When executed correctly, it turns defensive situations into instant winners. keeping you in full control of the point.

How to Hit an Overhead Smash:

1. Track the ball and move into position quickly.
2. Hold a continental grip, similar to a serve.
3. Swing in an upward motion, aiming for the opponent’s open court.
4. Keep your wrist firm to maintain accuracy.
5. Follow through with a powerful downward motion for speed.

Why It’s Important:

✔ One of the best ways to end a point quickly.
✔ Stops opponents from using lobs as a defensive strategy.
✔ A powerful smash forces errors from your opponent.
✔ Builds confidence in attacking the net.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them:

• Misjudging the ball’s position → Keep your feet active and adjust your stance.
• Too much tension in the arms → Stay relaxed for better power and control.
• Hitting into the net → Aim slightly higher than expected to avoid errors.
• Not preparing early enough → Anticipate lobs and move before the ball peaks.

Learn More: Overhead Smash Mastery.