Tennis Attacking Shots

Attacking shots or offensive shots take the game to the opponent and put them under pressure or win points. Here we explain various options available including drop shots, line shots, and cross-court techniques.

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Inside Out Forehand

The player runs around their backhand to take on their mid-court ball and hits an aggressive forehand shot.

How: The contact point should be played early between waist and shoulder height. The player is looking to hit inside out towards their opponents backhand side

Drop Shot

This attacking shot is most effective when playing against a baseline player, but to be most effective it must come as a surprise to the opponent otherwise it will not work. It can also be used off an opponent’s second serve, as they always stay back after hitting it.

It can also be used when off an opponents drop shot as they may be expecting a deep return.

Coaching Points:

  • Can be hit on the forehand and backhand
  • Keep the ball low over the net to stop your opponent attacking
  • The ball should land as close to the net as possible
  • Hit at a slow pace

Cross Court Passing Shot

This is the most commonly used attacking shot when an opponent is in at the net. Keeping the ball as low as possible is essential as this will stop an opponent hitting an attacking volley back. To keep the ball low hit a topspin shot as this brings the ball down quicker after it clears the net.

Coaching Points:

  • Can be hit on the forehand and backhand
  • Keep the ball low over the net to stop your opponent attacking
  • Hit it with pace to give your opponent less time to react

Cross Court Backhand

This is an excellent shot to return the serve with as it gets the server on the move straight away, and with the cross-court shot greater angles can be created, making it difficult for an opponent to return the ball with any power or placement.

This shot also leaves the court open for the next shot.

Coaching Points:

  • Can be hit on the forehand and backhand
  • Try to create the greatest angle possible to make the next shot easier.

Cross Court Forehand

This is an excellent shot to return the serve with as it gets the server on the move straight away, and with the cross-court shot greater angles can be created, making it difficult for an opponent to return the ball with any power or placement.

This shot also leaves the court open for the next shot.

Coaching Points:

  • Can be hit on the forehand and backhand
  • Try to create the greatest angle possible to make the next shot easier.

Backhand Down The Line

The down the line shot can be used to break the pattern of cross-court shots and catch an opponent off balance and make the opponent run a considerable distance to reach a shot that is traveling a much shorter distance.

Coaching Points:

  • Can be hit on the forehand and backhand
  • Be sure to hit the ball deep towards the baseline
  • Remember you are hitting over the highest part of the net so allow for it.

Forehand Down The Line

The down the line shot can be used to break the pattern of cross-court shots and catch an opponent off balance and make the opponent run a considerable distance to reach a shot that is traveling a much shorter distance.

Coaching Points:

  • Can be hit on the forehand and backhand
  • Be sure to hit the ball deep towards the baseline
  • Remember you are hitting over the highest part of the net so allow for it.
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