Ancillary Shots for Advanced Players

Part 3

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.


Backhand Approach
You can also make very effective slice approaches with a one-handed backhand.
Start with the racket face open and play the stroke on the move. There are three popular footwork techniques.
1) Slide the left foot behind the right foot.
2) Pivot off the left foot, and then step on the right.
3) Jump at the ball.
Choose any way; just be sure not to open your hips too early because the ball will slide wide off the racket.