TOOL BOX
Our concept of a “tennis toolbox” refers to the variety and range of shots a player has practiced, developed and can reliably execute during matches when under pressure.
Like a handyman’s toolbox equipped with different tools for specific tasks, a player’s toolbox contains different shots tailored for various situations on the court. This concept is crucial for competitive play, as it enables players to adapt their game to different opponents, court surfaces, and match conditions.
Don’t worry if the long list of tools below seems a bit daunting at first glance. Here’s some fantastic news: when you explore a bit more, you’ll find out that many of these tools are actually creative twists on the essential skills we love to focus on, like keeping an eye on the ball, finding your perfect balance, and getting into your own unique rhythm. It’s all about making those foundational skills even stronger in fun and innovative ways!
A complete tennis tool box includes:
1. Ground strokes (Forehand and Backhand): These are the basic shots played from the baseline, with variations such as topspin for depth and control, flat for speed, and slice for change of pace and spin.
2. Serve: A powerful first serve for earning aces or setting up easy points, and a reliable second serve, often with topspin or slice, to prevent double faults while still challenging the returner.
3. Slice Serve: An effective variation of the serve, especially on the deuce side, that uses side spin to make the ball curve and bounce away from the opponent, making it hard to return. It’s particularly useful for setting up one-two punches and for serving out wide.
4. Kick Serve: A type of second serve that uses heavy topspin to create a high bounce, challenging the returner and giving the server an advantage in starting the point. It’s especially effective on clay courts and against players who stand far behind the baseline.
5. Volley: Shots played before the ball bounces, typically near the net, to finish points. Includes both forehand and backhand volleys, with an emphasis on placement and touch.
6. Overhead Smash: A powerful shot used to finish points when the ball is high in the air, resembling the serve in mechanics.
7. Lob: A defensive or offensive shot that sends the ball high over the opponent’s head, useful when they are close to the net, aiming to land the ball deep in the court.
8. Half Volley: Shots played just after the ball bounces, typically near the net. Includes both forehand and backhand half volleys. This shot is super versatile, great for defense, dealing with speedy, low balls, and for offense, surprising your opponent.
9. Drop Shot: A finesse shot that barely clears the net and lands softly in the opponent’s court, used to bring them forward and disrupt their rhythm.
10. Return of Serve: Critical for immediately putting pressure on the server, with variations to handle different types of serves, singles and doubles.
11. Passing Shot: Used to hit the ball past an opponent who is at the net, requiring precision and timing.
12. Approach Shot: A strategic shot used to transition from the baseline to the net, forcing the opponent into a defensive position. It can be hit with depth and pace or with slice to stay low, making it difficult for the opponent to hit an effective pass.
13. Counterpunch: Developing the ability to absorb and redirect the pace from aggressive hitters. This involves using the opponent’s power against them, often with well-timed ground strokes or sharp angles.
14. Angle Shots: These are shots hit sharply across the court, creating wide angles to pull the opponent out of position. Mastering angle shots can open up the court and create opportunities for winners or force errors from the opponent.
15. Defensive Lob: When out of position or under pressure, a well-placed defensive lob can give you time to recover and get back into the point. It’s also effective against net-rushers, forcing them to hit an overhead from a difficult position.
16. Block Return: Especially useful against powerful servers, the block return allows you to neutralize big serves with minimal backswing, using the server’s pace to return the ball effectively.
17. Chip and Charge: A tactic involving a slice (chip) shot followed by an immediate move towards the net (charge). This is particularly effective on fast surfaces and against opponents with weaker second serves, putting immediate pressure on them.
Each shot in the toolbox can be modified based on the player’s position, the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, and the current state of play.
Developing a comprehensive toolbox allows a player to be versatile and unpredictable, making it harder for opponents to anticipate and counter their game plan.
This versatility also enables players to better handle the physical and mental demands of match play, adapting their strategies to exploit opponents’ vulnerabilities while minimizing their own weaknesses.
Filling up your toolbox is a thrilling part of the journey toward refining and perfecting those basic skills, lifting your game to exciting new levels. It’s quite the adventure to develop and enhance these fundamental abilities as you progress in your play. Enjoy every step of the journey!
(C) TENNIS WHISPERER 2024
