Ancillary Shots for Advanced Players

Part 2

by

Dennis Van der Meer
President of the USPTR
&
Van der Meer TennisUniversity


Topspin is the name of today's game. By adjusting the amount of spin, this versatile stroke can be used defensively, setting up the ball for an aggressive opportunity--and then to finish the point with an outright winner.

However, there are occasions when the use of underspin is necessary, and every player should have a full arsenal of shots where the racket meets the ball with an open face.

There is really a family of underspin shots starting with volleys.


Underspin
On the backhand side, you will find it easy to play a slice with a one handed grip. Start off with a delicate drop shot to get the feeling of opening the racket. Now you can gradually move backwards towards the baseline, playing a drop shot, chip approach or a full size regular slice.