Basic Tennis Strokes for Beginners: Serve, Forehand, Backhand, Volley and Smash

Every tennis rally is built from six strokes: the serve, forehand, backhand, forehand volley, backhand volley and overhead smash. You do not need to master them all at once. Learn the feel of each one, then add detail as you play.

1. Serve

The serve starts every point. Stand sideways to the net, toss the ball slightly in front of you, then reach up and hit it at the highest point you can comfortably reach. A relaxed grip and a smooth, continuous swing matter more than power at first.

2. Forehand

The forehand is hit on your dominant side and is the stroke most beginners learn first. Turn your shoulders early, let the racquet swing back, then meet the ball out in front of your body and finish across to the opposite shoulder.

3. Backhand

You can hit a backhand with one hand or two. Two hands give most beginners more control and stability. Turn sideways, keep your hitting arm relaxed, and make contact in front of you rather than beside your hip.

4. Forehand and backhand volley

A volley is a stroke hit before the ball bounces, usually close to the net. Keep it short: hold the racquet in front of you, step into the ball and block it forward with firm wrist and no big backswing.

5. Overhead smash

The smash is the answer to a high lob. Point your free hand at the ball, turn sideways, and swing up and over like a serve. Footwork is the secret here: get under the ball before you swing.

Practising

• Rally from the service line before moving back to the baseline.
• Practise one stroke for 10 minutes at a time.
• Choose a racquet whose weight you can swing comfortably for a full session.

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