How to Hit a Tennis Ball

Playing tennis is a lot of fun, especially when you can hit the ball well enough to get it back into your opponent's court. When you first start playing tennis, odds are that you will hit quite a few balls out of the court and over the fence, having to stop the match to retrieve them. With a few tips, however, you will learn to control the ball each time you hit.

Instructions

1. Start with the forehand. This is the stroke most often used in tennis and you will hold your racket with your dominate hand. As you bring the racquet, back, anticipating the ball, keep it low. Swing the racquet forwards and upwards when making contact with the ball.

2. Keep your eye on the ball. The biggest reason most new players totally miss the ball is because they shift their focus away from it. The instant the tennis ball leaves your opponent's racquet; you should be watching its movement.

3. Step forward as you hit the ball to increase the power of your stroke. In addition, your body is in control when you're moving forward.

4. Swing your racquet in a low to high motion. This is the way to increase power and put topspin on the ball without hitting it over the fence. It takes a lot of practice but by using the correct swing, you'll master placement of the ball.

5. Use both hands on your backhand unless you really have to stretch to reach the ball. Backhands are notoriously weak strokes and by using both hands, you can generate more power. Again, use the low to high method of swinging your racquet.

6. Hold your racquet still to return volleys when you're at the net. Volleys are short balls that cause you to run forward just to return them. Instead of trying to swing at these balls, hold your racquet up firmly and allow the tennis ball to bounce back into your opponent's court.