Tennis is not just about hitting the ball with the racket. There are many specific techniques or strikes that must be understood and mastered in order to play the game well.
Here is a general breakdown of the different stroke styles most commonly used in a game of tennis:
- Forehand - One of the most commonly used strikes, the ball is hit to return it after bouncing off the surface on the other side of the court. It is usually hit around the baseline and with a topspin, but the shot can also be a flat or cut shot. This shot is usually to the same side that holds the club.
- Groundhand Backhand - This shot is quite similar to the forehand style, with one notable difference, which is that it is executed on the side of the body opposite the club hand.
- Forehand - here the ball is hit to return it before it makes contact with the surface on the opposite side and is usually taken when the player is closest to the net area. This effectively reduces the time the opponent has to deal with a successful return strike. However, this can be quite a serious risk as the player may not be able to reactand stroke success effectively. This stroke is made on the side of the hand holding the racquet.
- Backhand volley - This shot uses the same technique as the forehand volley with the notable difference that the ball is played on the return stroke from the side of the body opposite the club hand.
The importance of the grips
The general rule to follow is to find a grip that suits the individual as it is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Not only will grip determine the quality of play a player will ultimately display, but it can also negatively affect body conditions.
Basically, it would be best to start with a smaller grip size and then make adjustments until the grip size is comfortable and safe for the user. If the grip used is improper, there will be some twisting of the hand and a stroke is executed each time it is executed, which contributes to tennis elbow syndrome. This is a rather painful condition that almost always requires professional medical attention.
The ideal button size is usually anywhere between the standard measurements of 4 to 4 and 5/8 inches and is about 1/8 inch apart. Grip is often calculated by reference to the circumference of the grip an individual makes when holding the racquet. In order to get an estimate of the most appropriate grip size, the ruler should be placed under the horizontal crease in the palm of the hand that will be holding the racquet. the measurement is taken From this point to the tip of the ring finger. This will indicate the ideal grip size for the individual. However, if there is a need, an additional 1/16 inch size can be entered to make the feel more comfortable.
Another way to measure grip is to note the space between the fleshy part of the head and the fingertips.
Being able to comfortably "bridge" this gap with the index finger of the other hand without any loosening or squeezing (not allowing the finger to go in), would give the player a good idea of the fit of the chosen grip.