How to Be More Accurate at Groundstrokes in Tennis

An important part of a tennis player's game, the groundstroke in tennis is the shot made after the ball has bounced once on the court, and before the opposing player returns it. The most common stroke used by beginners, players typically make a groundstroke from near their own base line. A groundstroke should land as near to the back line of the court as possible in order to make it difficult to return.

Instructions

    • 1

      Get to the ball quickly and ensure your weight is evenly distributed, between your feet and slightly forward, before you start the swing. It is very difficult to place a ball accurately if you are not in balance.

    • 2

      Point the arm that does not hold your racket at the ball until you start to swing through the shot. This improves your overall balance and control.

    • 3

      Practice intercepting the ball in front of your body. Your arm should fully extend when it makes contact.

    • 4

      Hit your groundstrokes with topspin. This allows you to be more aggressive and get your shots closer to the baseline. Start your swing lower than the point where you want to contact the ball to create topspin. Hold the racquet in a western grip to make it easier to put topspin on the ball. In this grip, your index finger's knuckle should be on the bottom of the racquet when you look down at the strings.

    • 5

      Drive your racquet towards the intended target. The face of the racquet needs to follow through towards where you want the ball to land, even after ball contact, to ensure you get the ball placement you desire.