How to Hit a Tennis Ball--Anthony

Throughout my years in high school, as a member of the Etiwanda boys varsity tennis team, I've always felt that tennis was underestimated as a sport, and often I would hear from fellow athletes and peers that "tennis isn't a sport." Well, all I can say to the haters is that you are missing out on a sport that can keep you in shape and can be played your entire life! If you head over to McDermott park in Heritage on any given Saturday, you can find children as young as 4 and guys as old as 65 having a good time on the court. It is a sport that is easy to get into and is fun with friends. So let's get started.

Here's what you need:

·       A working tennis racquet with intact strings. (Can be found cheap at Walmart and Costco)

·       Tennis shoes (running/athletic shoes can be used as well but tennis shoes are recommended because their soles are specifically designed for moving on the court),

·       Tennis balls (They are sold in cans of 3 at Target or you can buy bulk at Costco)

·       Hitting partner (or ball machine if you have no friends)

·       A positive attitude (You don't want a broken racquet that can give you splinters. I know this from experience)

There are two primary ways to hit a tennis ball: the forehand and the backhand.

Note: Because there are a variety of ways to execute these techniques, I will share how I was taught by my coach (I'm right handed so if you are left handed, substitute "right" with "left" and vice versa.)

How to hit the forehand groundstroke:

Steps:

1.     The forehand requires that you grab the racquet at the bottom of the handle when the racquet is face down with your dominant hand.

2.     When the tennis ball is coming your direction, starting from an open stance position, step forward with your left leg so that is in front of your right leg and bend your knees.

3.      Extend your left arm out so that your hand is visibly on the oncoming tennis ball. This helps keep your eyes on the ball. At the same time, extend the racquet behind you. In this twisted position, your body is "powering" up to hit the shot.

4.     As the ball approaches, you then "release" the tension by turning your shoulders and hips towards the ball as you bring the racquet forward.

5.     As the ball approaches, you then "release" the tension by turning your shoulders and hips towards the ball as you bring the racquet forward. Rather than hit the ball flat on, you want to "brush up" on the ball. Think of a windshield wiper motion. This applies "topspin" on the ball which allows the ball to dip downward onto the court rather than fly out and hit the fence.

6.     After you make contact, continue to swing up across your body until the racquet finishes behind your left shoulder. If you did this correctly, you can almost kiss the inside of your elbow and your elbow should be pointing forward

Tip: The amount of power and spin on the ball as well as where the ball lands in the court depends on the execution and timing of your technique. You have to develop your execution through practice.

Here is former world #1, Roger Federer's forehand technique.

How to hit the backhand groundstroke:

Note: On the pro tours, players either use one hand or two hands on the racquet handle when executing the backhand. My coach taught me the double handed backhand so that is what I will teach you.

Tip: Similar to the forehand technique, you will be required to use your legs, hip, and shoulder in tandem with each other to be able strike the tennis ball with power.

Steps:

1.     With the face of the racquet facing sideways, grab the bottom of the handle with your right hand as if "shaking someone's hand". With your left hand, grab the handle in the space above your right hand but grab the handle from the side rather than from on top so that you can see your left hand fingernails when looking down.

2.     First, step forward with your right foot and turn your hip and shoulder so that your right shoulder blade is facing the tennis ball. Notice that this time, you don't have an extra hand to help you keep your eyes on the ball.

3.     Extend both your arms behind you while holding the racquet. When the ball is in front of you, swing your shoulders and hip forward while bringing the racquet forward.

4.     Remember to "brush up" on the ball then swing across your body with the racquet finishing behind your shoulders.

Here is current world #2, Novak Djokovic's backhand:

Tennis is a sport that can get pretty competitive but can also be played casually and still be enjoyed. It takes a long time to master these techniques so don't expect to get the hang of it right away. You know what they say, "Practice makes perfect." I have been playing tennis for almost four years and every day I still practice and adjust my technique. In fact, many professional tennis players, began playing tennis around the age of 4 and had to vigorously train to develop their skills and master these techniques. If you are interested in learning more tennis skills, read Nick's blog on how to serve a tennis ball.

Picture Credits

·       http://gripmap.net/images/demo/grips/semi-western-forehand-det.jpg (forehand grip)

·       https://www.google.com/search?q=forehand+tennis+swing&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=662&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiDkPuRpsXQAhXKjFQKHQ_kDWQQ_AUIBygC#imgrc=4Sos9fe35w_cZM%3A (Federer forehand)

·       http://www.feeltennis.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/forehand-hip-rotation.jpg (Federer forehand)

·       http://secondprime.com/Photo_th_2/IMAG001.JPG (the backhand grip)

·       http://www.procomparetennis.net/media/sequence_images/640/ajel1298760638.jpg (Djokovic bachhand)