Tennis strokes explained for beginners

The big picture: a handful of strokes

Tennis can look complicated, but nearly every shot falls into a small family. Some are hit after the ball bounces, some are hit out of the air, and one starts every point. Once a young player can name these strokes, coaching instructions at practice make a lot more sense. For scoring and court layout, see tennis rules for beginners.

Groundstrokes: forehand and backhand

Groundstrokes are shots hit after the ball bounces, usually from near the baseline. They make up much of what beginners practice.

• The forehand is hit on the player's dominant side, the side of the hitting hand. Most players find it the more natural shot.
• The backhand is hit on the other side of the body. Some players use one hand and many young players use two. Both are common, and a coach can help your child find what feels comfortable.

On both sides, coaches usually stress the same ideas: turn the shoulders early, make contact in front of the body, and finish the swing instead of stopping short.

The serve

The serve is the one shot where the player controls everything, because nobody else touches the ball first. It is hit from behind the baseline, over the net, into the diagonal service box. Beginners often find it the hardest stroke because the toss and swing must work together. Many coaches start young players with a simple, shortened motion and build up from there. A serve that lands in the box, even a gentle one, is better than a hard serve that misses. In many youth programs, beginners may serve from closer to the net or underhand, which standard rules allow, until the full motion develops.

The return of serve

The return is the first shot the receiver hits. It is not a separate swing so much as a forehand or backhand hit in a hurry. The main jobs are to get the ball back over the net and into play. Young players often improve quickly just by learning where to stand and by getting ready before the server hits.

Net shots: volleys and overheads

• A volley is hit before the ball bounces, usually near the net. The swing is short and compact, more of a block or punch than a full swing.
• An overhead (sometimes called a smash) is hit above the head, often in response to a high ball. It looks a bit like a serve.

Doubles players use these shots a lot. You can read more about that in singles vs. doubles: court lines and roles.

Spin and touch shots

Topspin

The ball spins forward as it travels, which makes it dip down and bounce up. Many groundstrokes use some topspin.

Slice

The ball spins backward, so it tends to stay lower after the bounce. It is often used on backhands or to change the pace of a rally.

Lob

A high, arcing shot hit over an opponent at the net.

Drop shot

A soft shot that barely clears the net and lands short, meant to pull an opponent forward.

These are extras. A beginner does not need all of them, and most coaches build the basic strokes first.

Grips and footwork

A grip is how the hand holds the racquet. Common grips have names such as continental, eastern and western, and different strokes may call for different grips. Do not worry about memorizing them. A coach will show your child what to use and when.

Footwork matters just as much as the swing. Players start in a ready position with knees slightly bent and weight on the balls of the feet, then take small adjusting steps to reach the ball. A common beginner habit is to reach with the arm instead of moving the feet. Gentle reminders to move first, swing second, can help.

How parents can help

• Learn the names so you can follow along when the coach says "backhand" or "split step" (a small hop players make just as the opponent hits, to be ready to move either way).
• Praise effort, such as moving feet and trying a new stroke, rather than only winning points.
• Leave technique corrections to the coach. Mixed messages can confuse a young player.
• Ask the coach which stroke your child is working on this month, so you can cheer for it.

Looking for the vocabulary around these shots? The tennis terms glossary covers more of the words you will hear. For the sport overview, visit the tennis hub page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the first stroke most beginners learn?

Many coaches start with the forehand because it feels natural, then add the backhand and the serve. The order varies by coach and program.

Should my child use one hand or two hands on the backhand?

Both are common and both are correct. A coach can help your child choose what feels comfortable and strong.

What is the difference between a volley and a groundstroke?

A volley is hit out of the air before the ball bounces, usually near the net. A groundstroke is hit after the ball bounces.

Does my child need to learn spin right away?

No. Most coaches build control and basic form first, and add spin gradually as a player develops.