Tennis shot types are the different strokes players use to control rallies, attack opponents, and defend difficult situations. From forehands and backhands to volleys, serves, and specialty shots, each stroke has a specific purpose. This glossary explains the most common tennis shot types with short, clear definitions.
Forehand in Tennis
The forehand in tennis is a shot played with the front of the racket hand facing the direction of the shot. It is one of the most common and powerful strokes, used from both the baseline and the net.
Backhand in Tennis
The backhand in tennis is a shot played with the back of the racket hand facing the direction of the shot. Players can hit it with one or two hands, depending on their technique and playing style.
Groundstroke in Tennis
A groundstroke in tennis is any shot played after the ball has bounced once. Most rallies are built around forehand and backhand groundstrokes from the baseline.
Volley in Tennis
A volley in tennis is a shot hit before the ball bounces. Players usually play volleys close to the net to finish points or apply pressure on their opponent.
Half Volley in Tennis
A half volley in tennis is a shot struck immediately after the ball bounces. It is often used when a player has little time to react near the baseline or at the net.
Drive Volley in Tennis
A drive volley in tennis is an aggressive volley played with a full swinging motion. It combines the pace of a groundstroke with the timing of a volley to attack the opponent.
Drop Volley in Tennis
A drop volley in tennis is a soft volley that lands just over the net. It is designed to leave the opponent with little chance of reaching the ball.
Swing Volley in Tennis
A swing volley in tennis is a volley played with a full groundstroke-like swing instead of a short blocking motion. Players often use it to attack high balls before they bounce.
Serve in Tennis
The serve in tennis is the first shot of every point. The server hits the ball into the service box diagonally across the net to start play.
Flat Serve in Tennis
A flat serve in tennis is struck with little or no spin. It is usually the fastest type of serve and is often used to win free points or aces.
Slice Serve in Tennis
A slice serve in tennis is hit with sidespin, causing the ball to curve through the air and move sideways after bouncing. It is commonly used to pull opponents wide off the court.
Kick Serve in Tennis
A kick serve in tennis is hit with heavy topspin, making the ball bounce high after landing. It is a popular second serve because it combines safety with difficult bounce.
Underarm Serve in Tennis
An underarm serve in tennis is played by swinging the racket below the shoulder instead of overhead. Although uncommon, it can surprise opponents who stand far behind the baseline.
Smash in Tennis
A smash in tennis is an overhead shot played above the player’s head with a downward motion. It is usually used to finish points after receiving a lob.
Lob in Tennis
A lob in tennis is a shot hit high over an opponent’s head. It can be used defensively to gain time or offensively to win the point against a player at the net.
Drop Shot in Tennis
A drop shot in tennis is a softly hit shot that lands close to the net, usually with backspin. It is used to catch an opponent out of position, especially when they are standing deep behind the baseline.
Passing Shot in Tennis
A passing shot in tennis is hit past an opponent who is positioned near the net. It is commonly played crosscourt or down the line to win the point outright.
Approach Shot in Tennis
An approach shot in tennis is played while moving toward the net. It is designed to put the opponent under pressure and set up an easier volley.
Slice in Tennis
A slice in tennis is a shot hit with backspin, causing the ball to stay low after bouncing. Players use it to change the pace of a rally, defend difficult balls, or create awkward returns.
Topspin Shot in Tennis
A topspin shot in tennis is struck with forward spin, making the ball dip quickly and bounce higher. It allows players to hit with more power while keeping the ball inside the court.
Flat Shot in Tennis
A flat shot in tennis is hit with little or no spin. It travels quickly through the air and is often used to hit powerful winners or put opponents under pressure.
Return in Tennis
A return in tennis is the first shot played after the opponent’s serve. A strong return can immediately put the server on the defensive and start the rally.
Block Return in Tennis
A block return in tennis is a controlled return that uses the pace of the serve rather than a full swing. It is commonly used against fast serves to keep the ball in play.
Chip Return in Tennis
A chip return in tennis is a return played with slice, producing a low and controlled bounce. It is often used to neutralise powerful serves and give the returner more time to recover.
Inside-Out Forehand in Tennis
An inside-out forehand in tennis is played from the backhand side of the court toward the opponent’s backhand corner. Players often use it to attack with their stronger forehand while opening up the court.
Inside-In Forehand in Tennis
An inside-in forehand in tennis is played from the backhand side of the court straight down the line. It can surprise opponents who are expecting an inside-out forehand instead.
Angle Shot in Tennis
An angle shot in tennis is hit to create a sharp angle away from the opponent. It forces the opponent to move wide and can open up the court for the next shot.
Moonball in Tennis
A moonball in tennis is a high, looping shot with heavy topspin that lands deep in the court. It is mainly used as a defensive shot to give the player more time to recover.
Squash Shot in Tennis
A squash shot in tennis is a defensive shot played with a slice-like motion while stretching for a wide ball. It helps players keep the rally alive when they cannot hit a normal forehand or backhand.
Tweener in Tennis
A tweener in tennis is a trick shot played between the legs, usually while chasing a lob. Although difficult to execute, it is sometimes used to recover seemingly lost points. It is also known as a hot dog shot.
Knowing how different tennis shots are used can make it easier to understand player strengths, match dynamics, and many popular tennis betting markets.
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