Tennis, celebrated for its elegance, athleticism, and mental demands, has a global following. Whether you're new to the sport or an experienced player aiming to improve, mastering skills and taking precautions are vital for a fulfilling tennis experience.

Fundamental Skills in Tennis

Serving

The serve, the start of every point, is a potent weapon. There are several serve types.

Flat Serve: For maximum speed, stand behind the baseline with feet shoulder - width apart and non - racket foot forward. Toss the ball straight up, about an arm's length high.

Swing the racket in an arc at the ball's peak, hitting the top - center. The follow - through is long towards the service box. Power comes from legs, hips, and shoulders. In professional tennis, a well - executed flat serve can exceed 100 mph.

Slice Serve: It has lateral spin, making the ball curve and bounce wide. Start with the flat - serve stance. Toss the ball to the non - dominant side.

Swing the racket, brushing the ball's side to impart side - spin. The follow - through is angled to the court's side, useful for creating angles and unsettling opponents.

Kick Serve: With top - spin, it makes the ball bounce high. Stand in an open stance, non - racket foot angled to the baseline.

Toss the ball high and to the side, above the head. Swing up and over the ball, hitting the bottom - back part. The follow - through is high towards the service box. Often used as a second serve for more margin of error.

Forehand and Backhand Strokes

Forehand Stroke: A common and powerful shot. Stand with feet shoulder - width apart, knees bent, and weight on the balls of the feet. As the ball approaches, turn sideways, non - racket shoulder facing the net.

Swing the racket back with a slightly bent elbow. Transfer weight from back to front foot as you swing forward, hitting the ball in front of the body at waist - height. The follow - through is long across the body. Using the whole body adds power.

Backhand Stroke: There are one - handed and two - handed types.

One - Handed Backhand: Stand with feet shoulder - width apart. As the ball comes, turn sideways, racket - hand shoulder facing the net.

Swing the racket back with a straight elbow. Transfer weight forward to swing in an arc, hitting the ball at waist - height. The follow - through is across the body, offering more reach for down - the - line winners.

Two - Handed Backhand: Hold the racket with both hands, non - dominant hand on the throat. Stand and turn sideways as the ball approaches.

Swing back with both hands for control. Transfer weight forward to hit the ball in front of the body, providing more stability and power.

Volleying

Volleying means hitting the ball before it bounces, usually near the net. Stand with feet shoulder - width apart, knees bent, and racket ready. Keep eyes on the ball.

Take a short step forward and swing the racket in a short, controlled motion, using the incoming ball's momentum.

For a forehand volley, use a similar stance to the forehand stroke but with a shorter backswing. Adjust the stance for a backhand volley. It requires quick reflexes and good hand - eye coordination.

Returning

Returning is crucial to regain control after the opponent serves. Watch the server's toss and body position. Anticipate the serve's direction and speed. For a fast serve, take a shorter backswing to get the racket on the ball safely.

For a slower or spin - filled serve, be more aggressive and aim for a winner. Use footwork to quickly position yourself. A good return can pressure the server and set up an offensive position.

Tactical Skills in Tennis

Court Positioning

Knowing where to stand on the court is key. When the opponent hits, anticipate the ball's direction and position yourself accordingly. If the opponent has a forehand, a right - handed player might stand slightly to the right to cover angles.

On the offensive, move the opponent around to tire them and create winning opportunities. On the defensive, stay near the court's middle to cover both sides.

Shot Selection

Choosing the right shot at the right moment is a critical tactical skill. When in a strong position, like when the opponent is out of position, hit a powerful, aggressive shot, such as a winner down the line.

When under pressure, opt for a defensive shot like a high - lob or a deep, cross - court shot to buy time to reposition. Notice your opponent's weaknesses and target them. For example, if the opponent has a weak backhand, hit more shots to that side.

Mental Toughness

Tennis is as much a mental game as a physical one. Maintaining focus throughout the match is essential. Don't let mistakes or bad calls affect you. Stay positive and believe in your abilities.

If losing, stay calm and find ways to change the momentum. Visualize winning points and staying composed under pressure. Mental toughness can give an edge, especially in close matches.

Precautions in Tennis

Pre - game Preparation

Warm - up: Before playing, warm up your body. Jog around the court for 5 - 10 minutes to increase heart rate and blood flow.

Then do dynamic stretches like leg swings, arm circles, and lunges to loosen joints and improve range of motion. Follow with light racket - swinging to get muscles used to hitting.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water before playing. Dehydration can cause fatigue, cramps, and reduced performance. Aim for 500 - 750 ml 2 - 3 hours before play and take sips during breaks. Consider a sports drink for longer sessions to replenish electrolytes.

Equipment and Safety

Racket Selection: Choose a racket based on skill level, playing style, and strength. Beginners may prefer a lighter racket with a larger head for more power and a bigger sweet spot.

Advanced players might opt for a heavier racket with a smaller head for more control. Ensure the racket feels comfortable and the strings are properly tensioned.

Footwear: Invest in good tennis shoes. They offer lateral support for side - to - side movements and have non - slip soles. Make sure they fit well, with enough toe room but not too loose.

Eye Protection: Wear sunglasses or sports - specific eye protection to shield eyes from the sun and errant balls. Some are lightweight and unobtrusive for clear vision.

Court Surface: Be aware of the court surface. Grass is fast, clay is slow with more grip, and hard - courts are in - between. Adjust your playing style and footwork accordingly. Check the court for cracks or uneven areas that could cause falls.

Injury Prevention

Proper Technique: Using correct technique reduces injury risk. Incorrect serving form can harm the shoulder, and improper footwork can cause ankle or knee problems. Take lessons from a qualified coach to learn and correct your form.

Strength and Conditioning: Building strength and flexibility helps prevent injuries. Exercises like squats, lunges, and calf raises strengthen the lower body.

Upper - body exercises like push - ups and rows strengthen shoulders, arms, and back. Stretch before and after playing to improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness.

Rest and Recovery: Give your body time to rest between tennis sessions. Overtraining leads to fatigue and more injuries. Get enough sleep for recovery. If you feel pain, take a break and seek medical advice if needed.