Welcome to the VH Stories, as a passionate tennis player, I have always been fascinated by the artistry and finesse exhibited by professional players on the court. Their ability to execute incredible shots and surprise opponents with ingenious tricks is awe-inspiring. In this blog, I will share a comprehensive guide on tennis tricks that can elevate your game and add flair to your style of play. Whether you are a beginner seeking to improve your skills or an intermediate player looking to gain a competitive edge, these tricks will undoubtedly enhance your performance and make you stand out on the court.
I. The Drop Shot: A Deceptive Delight
The drop shot is a cunning technique that involves softly and precisely landing the ball just over the net, leaving your opponent stranded. This tricky shot requires finesse and control.
Positioning is crucial when attempting a drop shot. Stand closer to the net, slightly inside the baseline, to have better control over the ball placement. By doing so, you increase the chances of the ball landing in the perfect spot on your opponent’s court, making it difficult for them to reach and return the shot effectively.
To execute the perfect drop shot, you must adjust your grip on the racket. Loosen your grip slightly to generate less power in your shot, allowing for a gentle touch on the ball. This gentle touch is what gives the ball its soft landing and deceptive quality. By taking pace off the ball, you can catch your opponent off guard, as they might be expecting a stronger shot.
One key aspect of the drop shot is using your wrist effectively. Employ your wrist to add a subtle spin to the ball, causing it to lose speed and bounce low upon landing. This spin helps the ball “bite” the court, reducing its forward momentum and making it challenging for your opponent to chase down the shot.
II. The Slicer Serve: Curving Your Way to Success
The slicer serve is a sneaky technique that can catch your opponent off guard, creating difficulty in returning the ball. To perfect this serve, follow these steps:
Positioning and stance play a significant role in delivering a slicer serve with accuracy and precision. Assume a side stance while positioning your front foot slightly ahead of the other. This stance will enable you to create the desired side spin on the ball, which is essential for the slicer serve.
Executing a slicer serve involves a specific swing technique. Begin your swing with the racket low and close to your body, then brush the ball from the bottom to the top, imparting the side spin. The low-to-high swing path ensures that the ball travels with the desired spin, making it challenging for your opponent to read its trajectory.
The placement of the ball is crucial when serving with a slice. Aim to hit the ball on its outer edge to create maximum spin and curve. This way, the ball will swing away from your opponent after clearing the net, making it difficult for them to position themselves correctly to return the serve.
III. The Lob Shot: An Elevating Elegance
The lob shot is a strategic move that allows you to loft the ball high over your opponent’s head, forcing them to retreat and giving you an advantageous position. Master the lob shot with these techniques:
Timing is key when executing a successful lob shot. Anticipate your opponent’s position and shot selection, aiming to execute the lob when they are near the baseline. A well-timed lob can catch them off guard and leave them scrambling to get into position to retrieve the ball.
Adopt an open stance to prepare for the overhead shot, positioning your non-dominant foot forward. The open stance allows for better balance and enables you to rotate your body effectively as you swing for the lob shot.
Use a smooth and controlled swing when attempting a lob shot. Unlike powerful groundstrokes, the lob requires finesse and touch. Make contact with the ball at the optimal height to create the necessary loft. A gentle flick of the wrist can also help add height to the shot, ensuring the ball clears the net by a comfortable margin.
IV. The Inside-Out Forehand: Unleashing Power and Precision
The inside-out forehand is a powerful weapon that can help you dominate rallies and open up the court. To enhance your inside-out forehand:
Positioning and footwork are fundamental to execute a successful inside-out forehand. Begin from a slightly wider stance than your regular forehand, with your body turned sideways to the net. This stance allows you to generate more power and better control the direction of your shot.
Shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot as you swing to generate power and accuracy. The transfer of weight from the back foot to the front foot ensures that you can unleash the full force of your shot while maintaining balance and control.
Aim to hit the ball earlier and more in front of your body when attempting an inside-out forehand. By doing so, you impart a sharp angle on the ball, sending it away from your opponent and opening up the court for your next shot. Hitting the ball in front of your body also allows you to stay on the offensive and control the pace of the rally.
V. The Drop Volley: A Sublime Touch at the Net
The drop volley is a graceful and effective technique that involves gently dropping the ball over the net when your opponent hits a soft shot. To execute the drop volley with finesse:
Maintain relaxed and soft hands when preparing for a drop volley. By doing so, you can absorb the pace of the incoming shot, preventing the ball from rebounding too far off the racket. The soft hands also allow you to guide the ball with precision, ensuring it lands delicately on your opponent’s side of the court.
Use a compact swing when executing a drop volley. Unlike powerful volleys, the drop volley requires a shorter and more controlled swing to achieve the desired touch and finesse. This compact swing also allows you to make last-minute adjustments to the placement of the shot, catching your opponent off guard.
Focus on finesse rather than power when attempting a drop volley. The key to a successful drop volley lies in a feather-like touch, where the ball barely clears the net before gently landing in your opponent’s court. This gentle touch makes it challenging for your opponent to react quickly and reach the ball in time.
VI. The Around-the-Net Shot: Adding Flair to Your Game
The around-the-net shot is a breathtaking move that showcases your creativity and athleticism. To achieve this incredible shot:
Perfect positioning is essential for executing an around-the-net shot successfully. Place yourself wide on the court and move towards the ball with speed and anticipation. Your positioning will determine the angle and trajectory of the shot, making it essential to be in the right place at the right time.
Aim to hit the ball low and with a sharp angle when attempting an around-the-net shot. Curving the ball around the net post requires precision and skill. By hitting the ball low, you can ensure that it travels close to the net, allowing you to execute the breathtaking shot.
Utilize your wrist to create the desired spin and control the trajectory of the ball. The wrist action plays a crucial role in adding the necessary spin that helps the ball curve around the net post. Practice wrist exercises to improve your wrist’s flexibility and enhance your ability to execute the around-the-net shot flawlessly.
Conclusion:
Incorporating these tennis tricks into your game can undoubtedly elevate your skills and leave your opponents in awe. Remember, mastering these techniques requires practice, patience, and determination. As you dedicate time to refine your shots, you will find yourself outplaying your rivals and enjoying tennis like never before. So, grab your racket, head to the court, and start incorporating these tricks into your game. Embrace the artistry of tennis, and let your newfound skills shine brightly on the court. Happy playing!
