Tennis · Level 2: Elementary · Sub-level 2.3
Reading the Ball
4 tests · 40 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown
Flat, topspin and slice and how each bounces, height and depth over the net, watching the ball and first ideas about footwork.
Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.
Test 1Spin and bounceTake a test
Topspin makes the ball dip and then jump up off the court.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
A slice has backspin, so it bounces lower and slides forward.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
A flat shot travels with little spin and a direct path.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
Forward spin makes the ball dive towards the court, which helps players hit with margin.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
Backspin slows and lowers the bounce.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
Forward spin kicks the ball up off the court.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · applied
A low-to-high swing brushes up the back of the ball and gives it forward spin.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
A slice stays low, a flat shot bounces medium and topspin kicks highest.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
Players watch the racket, track the ball, judge it and then move.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · applied
Topspin rises, loops and dips steeply, like the high loop.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · applied
Test 2Height and depthTake a test
A safe gap over the net protects against errors from small mistakes.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
A deep ball lands near the opponent's baseline.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
A deep ball keeps the opponent from attacking and buys time to recover.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
A bigger follow-through and a higher arc help the ball travel deeper.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · applied
More height means more margin and more time for both players.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
A short ball gives the opponent a chance to attack.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
A higher arc gives a more forgiving path into the court.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
Shots land short near the net, in the middle or deep near the baseline.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
A flat drive skims the net, a rally ball clears it comfortably and a lob goes very high.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
A clear gap protects against hitting the net.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · applied
Test 3Watching the ballTake a test
Watching the ball all the way gives the best chance of clean contact.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
Contact in front gives control and power.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
The player keeps focus on the ball up to the instant it meets the racket.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
Looking up early pulls the head away and spoils the contact.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
Saying 'bounce' at the bounce and 'hit' at contact trains timing.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
Early preparation gives time to swing smoothly.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
A stable base improves timing.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
The best contact is in front, a later one is level and the worst is behind.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
Track the ball, watch the bounce, meet it in front and finish the swing.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · applied
Meeting the ball in front gives the most control.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · applied
Test 4First footwork ideasTake a test
Recovery to a central spot covers more of the court.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
The ready position lets a player move quickly in any direction.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
Good footwork places the body in the right spot for the swing.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
A split step helps the player start quickly in either direction.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
A central position covers both sides.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
Small steps allow precise positioning for contact.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
Recovering means being ready wherever the next ball goes.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
A player reads the ball, moves, hits and returns to the centre.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · applied
The middle covers the most court, a far corner covers the least.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · recall
After a wide shot a player recovers towards the centre.
Source: General coaching reference (reading the ball) · applied
Sources
ITF Play and Stay and coach-education materials, federation curricula, general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered ITF rules belong to the Rules category.
- General coaching reference (reading the ball)40