These galleries cover the four basic shots in tennis. They are pictorial essays on each shot, showing the progression and steps for each. Streaming video of each action is available on the Video page.
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MIT OCW PE.710 Tennis Lecture Notes Chapter 2: Backhand
The backhand has two choices for grip. The first is one-handed, and shown above. It provides greater reach, but is sometimes harder to control.
The second option, the two-handed grip, is shown here. It has less reach, but offers more stability and control.
The ready position. Note that both hands are on the racket, the knees are slightly bent, and attention is focused on the opposite court.
Step 1: The shoulder turn and preparation of the racket. Note that the racket is brought back, much like in the forehand. In this case, both hands remain on the racket.
Step 2a: A step is taken, and the racket starts to come forward. Note that the player is balanced and moving toward the shot.
Step 2b: The racket comes forward to meet the ball in front of the player. Note that the racket face meets the ball squarely.
Step 3: The follow-through, with the racket ending up high and out in front. A smooth follow through is critical to effective groundstrokes - bunting the ball will lead to soft, high balls that are easy for opponents.
The ready position with the two handed grip.
Step 1, Two-Handed Grip: Similar to the one-handed backhand, with the hands together on the grip.
Step 2a, Two-Handed Grip: The step and racket preparation.
Step 2b, Two-Handed Grip: Making contact with the ball. Generally, the racket head will be closer to the body on a two-handed backhand.
Step 3, Two-Handed Grip: The follow-through. Note that the racket here ends much like the forehand, over the opposite shoulder.
Serve
MIT OCW PE.710 Tennis Lecture Notes Chapter 3: Serve
The serve grip, which is rotated roughly 90 degrees from the forehand grip.
This lecture will show two service motions: basic and advanced. Step 1, Basic Serve: The first position of the basic serve. Note that the racket is behind the back, and the ball is held in front ready for the toss.
Step 2, Basic Serve: The toss. The toss is made above the player at a comfortable and reachable height, and roughly overhead. Consistency in the toss is critical.
Step 3a, Basic Serve: The swing. The racket is brought up and forward from behind the back, striking the ball and aiming it toward the appropriate service box.
Step 3b, Basic Serve: The follow-through. Note that the racket comes through and ends up on the players opposite side.
Step 1, Advanced Serve: The first position of the advanced serve. The racket is held in front, with the ball.
Step 2a, Advanced Serve: The toss begins. In the first movement of the toss, the racket comes back while the ball toss begins.
Step 2b, Advanced Serve: The toss continues. Much like the basic serve, the racket moves behind the body as part of the toss motion.
Step 3a, Advanced Serve: The swing. This is very similar to the basic serve.
Step 3b, Advanced Serve: The follow-through. Again, this is very similar to the basic serve.
Volley
MIT OCW PE.710 Tennis Lecture Notes Chapter 4: Volley
The volley grip, very similar to the service grip. Note that the volley grip is the same for forehand and backhand volleys.
The volley grip, second view.
The volley ready position. Note the similarities to the forehand and backhand ready position: eyes forward, knees bent, two hands on the racket. The player is positioned a few feet from the net.
Step 1, Forehand Volley: The shoulders turn and the racket is brought back, although not very far - a full swing is not part of a volley.
Step 2, Forehand Volley: The swing. Note that the racket movement here is not so much a swing as a punch at the ball. The movement is minimal compared to a forehand swing from the baseline.
Step 3, Forehand Volley: The follow-through. Note again that the motion is much shorter and more minimal than a full swing.
The ready position, this time for the backhand volley (exactly the same as for a forehand volley).
Step 1, Backhand Volley: The shoulders turn again, the racket is brought back but not far, and both hands remain on the racket.
Step 2, Backhand Volley: The swing. Again, a minimal swing, more of a punch.
Step 3, Backhand Volley: The follow-through. Very similar to the forehand volley, and very minimal.
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