Being great at tennis means mastering the fundamentals and constantly refining your skills. Whether you’re new to the game or an experienced player, there’s always room to grow. Beginners should focus on consistency and form, while advanced players work on developing greater power, precision and strategy.

Before you step on the court, it’s helpful to understand the key techniques every player should know. Joining adult tennis classes at Woodside is a great way to learn these fundamentals under expert guidance and build confidence through personalized, hands-on coaching. Here are several essential tennis techniques every player should master to take their game to the next level.

Serve 

The serve starts every point and sets the tone for your game. It combines power, control and rhythm and while every player’s motion is unique, the fundamentals remain consistent. Below are a few serve variations to help you improve your performance:

• Flat Serve: A powerful, direct serve with minimal spin.
• Slice Serve: A serve with sidespin that curves away from your opponent.
• Kick Serve: A topspin-heavy serve that bounces high often used as a second serve.

How To Do It: 

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly in front.
• Use a neutral grip for versatility.
• Toss the ball with your non-racquet hand to a consistent height just in front of you.
• As the ball rises, bend your knees, rotate your shoulders and drive upward, shifting your weight forward.
• Strike the ball at your optimal contact point and let your racquet follow through naturally across your body.

Tips To Master Your Serve: 

• Mix up your serve (flat, slice, or kick) to keep opponents guessing.
• Focus on placement aim for corners, wide serves and body shots, not just power.
• Build consistency through a steady toss and timing practice.

Forehand 

The forehand is one of the most common and powerful strokes in tennis. It’s played with your dominant hand when the ball comes to your front side and is often your go-to shot for both control and aggression. To perfect it, stay balanced, rotate your shoulders and swing through the ball with a relaxed grip.

How To Do It: 

• Choose a grip style such as Eastern or Semi-Western, whichever feels comfortable.
• Turn your shoulders and hips to prepare for the backswing.
• Step forward, shifting your weight from your back foot to your front foot.
• Make contact slightly in front of your body, keeping a slightly closed racquet face for topspin.
• Follow through naturally, finishing over your opposite shoulder.

Tips To Master Your Forehand: 

• Add topspin for safety and control.
• Hit with pace when you have time and space.
• Practice directional control, down the line and cross-court.
• Use footwork drills to reach optimal position quickly.

Backhand

The backhand is your response to balls on your non-dominant side. Players can choose between one-handed or two-handed styles. The one-handed backhand offers reach and flexibility for slicing, while the two-handed version provides greater power and stability.

How To Do It:  

One-handed backhand

• Use an Eastern or neutral backhand grip.
• Rotate your shoulders perpendicular to the net.
• Step into the shot and make contact in front.
• Extend through the ball and complete your swing.

Two-handed backhand

• Hold the racquet with both hands, your non-dominant hand above the dominant one.
• Stay sideways to the net.
• Use your non-dominant hand to help drive the shot.
• Make contact in front, transfer your weight and finish upward.

Tips To Master Your Backhand

• Choose a style (one-handed or two-handed) and practice for consistency.
• Add topspin to control deeper balls.
• Practice hitting shots at different heights (low, mid, high).
• Alternate cross-court and down-the-line shots to keep opponents off balance.

Volley 

The volley is a shot hit before the ball bounces, typically near the net. It relies more on precision and timing than power and is essential for an aggressive net game.

How To Do It: 

• Use a continental grip.
• Hold your racquet in front with elbows slightly bent.
• Keep your backswing short to maintain control.
• Step forward and meet the ball out in front, punching or guiding it firmly.
• Keep your racquet face steady and direct the ball toward your target.

Tip To Master Your Volley:

• Improve quick footwork to reach the net and stay balanced.
• Do volley drills to sharpen reflexes and control.
• Mix in drop volleys and angled volleys to keep opponents off balance.

Overhead 

The overhead smash is an aggressive shot used to finish points, usually against a lob. It combines speed, coordination and timing.

How To Do It

• Move quickly under the ball and anticipate its drop.
• Turn your body sideways, similar to your serve stance.
• Using a neutral grip, hit the ball at your highest comfortable contact point with a firm wrist flick.

Tip To Master Your Overheads

• Practice footwork to position yourself accurately under the ball.
• React quickly to lobs to maintain control and power.
• Focus on both placement and strength. Add angles and vary direction to finish points effectively.

Ready To Improve Your Tennis Skills? Consider Woodside

At Woodside, our adult tennis classes offer year-round indoor and outdoor sessions for every skill level, from beginners to advanced players. Sessions are available on weekdays and weekends to fit your schedule. Join Cardio Tennis classes for fitness, test your skills on the Challenge Ladder for competitive play and enjoy social tennis events, all exclusively at Woodside.