# Meet the Strokes · Tennis Level 1: Beginner

Tennis · Level 1: Beginner · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/tennis/level-1/meet-the-strokes/)

Meet the Strokes in Tennis (Level 1: Beginner) on Insporta: 40 sourced facts behind 4 tests. Covers: groundstrokes; volleys and the net; and more.

What each stroke is called and what it is for: groundstrokes, volleys, finesse and defensive shots, the serve and the smash.

## Test 1: Groundstrokes

- Groundstrokes are the forehand and backhand hit after the ball has bounced. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- Most rallies are a series of forehands and backhands from near the baseline. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A forehand is hit on the same side as the racket hand. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- Many players hold the racket with both hands on the backhand for extra stability. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A slice cuts down the back of the ball to give it backspin, so it stays low. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- Topspin pulls the ball down into the court and kicks it up off the bounce. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- Groundstrokes are the baseline game, played from the back of the court. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A stroke starts from a ready position, swings back, meets the ball and finishes. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A slice has backspin, a flat shot has little spin and topspin has forward spin. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- The ball has already landed once, so player 1 is hitting a groundstroke. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))

## Test 2: Volleys and the net

- A volley is struck in the air without letting the ball bounce. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- Standing close lets a player cut the ball off before it bounces. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A half-volley is struck just after the bounce, when the ball is rising off the ground. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- Close to the net there is little time, so the swing is short and firm. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- Taking the ball early takes time away from the opponent. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A drop volley is hit gently so the ball lands short and barely bounces. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A pair at the net can cover the court and finish many points with volleys. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- The player sets up, takes the racket back a little, punches through and then recovers. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A volley is hit before the bounce, a half-volley just after it, and a groundstroke later, once the ball has bounced and risen to a comfortable height. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- Striking the ball before the bounce near the net is a volley. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))

## Test 3: Lobs, drop shots and passing shots

- A lob lifts the ball high so it clears an opponent who is close to the net. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A drop shot is hit gently so it lands short and the opponent must run forward. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A passing shot sends the ball beyond a net player's reach. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A short ball drags a deep opponent out of position. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A defensive lob sends the ball up high so the hitter can get back in position. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A slice stays low and slows the ball, so it breaks the opponent's rhythm. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- An angled shot drags the opponent off the court. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A lob lands deep, a rally groundstroke in the mid-court and a drop shot short. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- The shot is disguised, hit softly, lands short and pulls the opponent in. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A high, arching shot over a net player is a lob. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))

## Test 4: The serve and the smash

- A smash is struck from above with a serve-like swing to finish a short lob. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A short or weak lob gives a net player the chance to smash it. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A smash is hit above the head with a motion close to the serve. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- The server tosses the ball up with one hand and strikes it with the racket. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A kick serve uses topspin to dip into the box and bounce up. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A flat serve goes straight and fast, with little spin. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- The racket keeps moving after the ball leaves it, completing the swing. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A serve starts from a stance, goes through the toss and swing, and ends with the follow-through. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- A player sees the lob, shuffles back, lines up under the ball and hits. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))
- Hitting down on a high ball above the head is a smash. (Source: ITF coach-education materials, general coaching reference (stroke names))

Sources: ITF Play and Stay and coach-education materials, ITF Coaching & Sport Science Review, federation curricula, general tennis references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered ITF rules belong to the Rules category.

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