Basic Fundamentals of Tennis

Course Overview

  • Course: Bachelor's degree in Sport Management 2025/2026

  • Professor: Sergio Tobías, PhD.

Index of Basic Hits

  • Chapter 1: Grips.

  • Chapter 2: Basic Hits

    • Serve

    • Forehand or drive

    • Backhand

    • Volley

    • Lob

    • Drop shot

    • Smash

  • Chapter 3: Spin Types.

Chapter 1: Grips

  • Grip: Method of holding the racket. Types are adapted for different surfaces and technical evolution.

  • Key Grips:

    • Eastern grip

    • Semi-Western grip

    • Western grip

    • Continental grip

  • Structure of Racket: Head, Shaft, Bumper, Guard, Grip Tape, Bevels, etc.

Chapter 2: Basic Hits

  • Main Concepts:

    • Defensive Zone and Attacking Zone on the court.

    • Age and skill level categories: Red (5-8), Orange (9-10), Green (11+).

  • Types of Hits:

    • Serve: Most important hit; can set up a winning position.

    • Forehand/Drive: Hitting after the bounce from the skillful side.

    • Backhand: Two types: one-handed and two-handed.

    • Volley: Shot before bounce, usually near net.

    • Lob: Curved shot to pass the opponent.

    • Drop Shot: Soft shot that falls near the net.

    • Smash: Powerful shot executed downward.

Chapter 3: Spin Types

  • Types of Spin:

    • Topsin, Flat, Slice.

  • Spin Characteristics:

    • Closed Contact Point & Ascending = Topspin

    • Open Contact Point & Descending = Backspin

  • Surface Effects:

    • Clay slows down play.

    • Synthetic speed is intermediate.

    • Grass accelerates the ball with low bounce.