Improving your tennis game doesn’t have to be rocket science. In fact, intermediate players can learn some advanced techniques to turn themselves into advanced tennis players.
These techniques will help you keep the ball in play more effectively, surprise your opponent with trick shots, and land those winning shots more often.
Here are 11 advanced tennis techniques that any intermediate player can try.
Tweeners:
A tweener is a between-the-legs shot used by advanced players with impeccable timing. Instead of contorting your body to return a shot when you do not have enough time to hit an adequate return, wait until the ball is at the right height, then swing your racket head through your legs with enough force to return the ball to land over on the opponent’s side of the net.
It’s often an unconventional and flashy shot used when a player is caught off-guard or is in a difficult position to make a regular shot. The tweener is considered a high-risk, high-reward shot, and when executed successfully, it can be quite impressive and even a crowd-pleaser.
Forehand Slice:
A forehand slice in tennis is a shot where a player strikes the ball with a slicing motion using the front (or forehand) side of their tennis racket. This shot imparts backspin on the ball, causing it to travel low and skid upon hitting the court surface.
Players typically use an Eastern or Continental grip for the forehand slice. This allows them to position the racket face to slice under the ball effectively. The swing path for a forehand slice is usually from high to low, with the racket face slightly open. This motion creates the necessary backspin on the ball.
The forehand slice is often used for defensive purposes or to change the pace of the game. It can be employed to keep the ball low and force opponents to hit upward, making it more challenging for them to generate power and control.
Inside-outs:
This is a type of shot where a player hits the ball with a diagonal trajectory from one side of the court to the opposite side. This is typically executed with a forehand stroke.
Right-handed players use their right hand to execute this shot, and left-handed players use their left hand.
The key feature of the inside-out shot is that it goes in the opposite direction of where the player is positioned on the court. For example, if a right-handed player is positioned on the left side of the court, hitting an inside-out forehand means hitting the ball diagonally to the right side of the opponent’s court.
The inside-out shot is often used to create an angle or move the opponent out of position. It’s an offensive shot that allows the player to take control of the point by redirecting the ball away from the opponent’s reach.
The inside-out forehand is a handy tool when your opponent sends the ball to your backhand court. Instead of struggling, return it with a cross-court forehand stroke to their backhand court.
Inside-ins:
An inside-in shot in tennis is a type of shot where a player hits the ball from one side of the court to the opposite side, while moving towards the net. This shot is typically executed with a forehand stroke and involves hitting the ball diagonally from the inside of the court to the inside of the opponent’s court
Unlike the “inside-out” shot, which goes in the opposite direction of the player’s position on the court, the inside-in shot moves from one side of the court to the opposite side, but both are on the inside of the court. For example, a right-handed player positioned on the left side of the court would hit an inside-in forehand to the left side of the opponent’s court.
The inside-in shot is often used to take advantage of an opening or a weak spot in the opponent’s court. It can be a way to attack and put pressure on the opponent by hitting the ball deep and into the corner.
If you need to change the ball’s direction suddenly, try an inside-in shot. It’s the opposite of inside-outs and can surprise your opponent, especially if they have a different dominant hand.
Swinging Volley:
A swinging volley is a type of volley where the player uses a swinging motion to hit the ball, rather than simply blocking or deflecting it as is common with traditional volleys.
Swinging volleys are typically hit with more power and aggression and are often used when a player has the opportunity to attack a relatively high ball that is within reach.
Swinging volleys are usually executed when the ball is at or slightly above waist height. This allows the player to generate more power and depth with the shot.
The swinging volley is employed as an offensive shot. It is used to take advantage of a weak or high ball, putting it away decisively and potentially ending the point. It can also be effective for passing or lobbing the opponent when they are at the net.
This one’s for advanced players who can balance pace, power, and swing perfectly.
Behind the Back:
This typically refers to a shot or maneuver where a player reaches behind their back to make contact with the ball. This is an unconventional and often flashy technique used in specific situations.
It involves placing your swinging arm behind your back with no backswing, effectively blocking the ball back over the net.
Backhand Topspin Lob:
This is a shot where a player uses their backhand stroke to hit the ball in a high, arcing trajectory over the net with topspin. This shot is used primarily as a defensive or strategic maneuver to loft the ball over the opponent at the net and land it deep in the opponent’s court, ideally near the baseline.
The topspin component of the shot causes the ball to dip and descend more rapidly after reaching its peak height, making it challenging for the opponent to time their shot correctly and providing a better chance of landing the lob accurately within the court.
Diving:
This is an acrobatic maneuver where a player dives to the ground in an attempt to make contact with the ball and return it over the net. This type of shot is usually executed when a player is stretched to the limit and can’t reach the ball with a conventional stroke while standing.
The diving shot is all about instinct. They are typically a last-ditch effort to keep the ball in play.
Throw your body towards the ball, extend as far as you can to reach it, and, most importantly, know how to land safely.
Conclusion:
Mastering these advanced tennis strategies will undoubtedly enhance your game and elevate your level of play.
Remember, tennis is not just about hitting the ball, the idea is to outsmart your opponent, stay focused, and continuously improve.
So, step onto the court with confidence, practice these strategies, and watch your game reach new heights.
It’s all yours to win!
