Wednesday, 15 October 2025

GRIP, FOOTWORK, AND STROKES IN TENNIS.

FOOTWORK, AND STROKES IN TENNIS 

Footwork is weight control. It is correct body position for strokes, and out of it all strokes should grow. In explaining the various forms of stroke and footwork I am writing as a right-hand player. Left-handlers should simply reverse the feet. 

Racket grip is a very essential part of stroke, because a faulty grip will ruin the finest serving. It is a natural grip for a top forehand drive. It is inherently weak for the backhand, as the only natural shot is a chop stroke. 

To acquire the forehand grip, hold the racket with the edge of the frame towards the ground and the face perpendicular, the handle towards the body, and "shake hands" with it, just as if you were greeting a friend. The handle settled comfortably and naturally into the hand, the line of the arm, hand, and racket are one. The swing brings the racket head on a line with the arm, and the whole racket is merely an extension of it. 

The backhand grip is a quarter circle turn of hand on the handle, bringing the hand on top of the handle and the knuckles directly up. The shot travels ACROSS the wrist. 


This is the best basis for a grip. I do not advocate learning this grip exactly, but model your natural grip as closely as possible on these lines without sacrificing your own comfort or individuality. 

Having once settled the racket in the hand, the next question is the position of the body and the order of developing strokes. 

All tennis strokes, should be made with the body' at right angles to the net, with the shoulders lined up parallel to the line of flight of the ball. The weight should always travel forward. It should pass from the back foot to the front foot at the moment of striking the ball. Never allow the weight to be going away from the stroke. It is weight that determines the "pace" of a stroke; swing that, decides the "speed." 

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THE FUNDAMENTALS OF TENNIS.

 THE FUNDAMENTALS OF TENNIS

I trust this initial effort of mine in the world of letters will find a place among both novices and experts in the tennis world. I am striving to interest the student of the game by a somewhat prolonged discussion of match play, which I trust will shed a new light on the game. 

May I turn to the novice at my opening and speak of certain matters which are second nature to the skilled player? 

The best tennis equipment is not too good for the beginner who seeks really to succeed. It is a saving in the end, as good quality material so far outlasts poor. 

Always dress in tennis clothes when engaging in tennis. The question of choosing a racket is a much more serious matter. I do not advocate forcing a certain racket upon any player. All the standard makes are excellent. It is in weight, balance, and size of handle that the real value of a racket frame depends, while good stringing is, essential to obtain the best results. 

After you have acquired your racket, make a firm resolve to use good tennis balls, as a regular bounce is a great aid to advancement, while a "dead" ball is no practice at all. 

If you really desire to succeed at the game and advance rapidly, I strongly urge you to see all the good tennis you can. Study the play of the leading players and strive to copy their strokes. Read all the tennis instruction books you can find. They are a great assistance.  



More tennis can be learned off the court, in the study of theory, and in watching the best players in action, than can ever be learned in actual play. I do not mean miss opportunities to play. Far from it. Play whenever possible, but strive when playing to put in practice the theories you have read or the strokes you have watched. 

Never be discouraged at slow progress. The trick over some stroke you have worked over for weeks unsuccessfully will suddenly come to you when least expected. Tennis players are the product of hard work. Very few are born geniuses at the game. 

tennis on wikipedia



Tennis Coaching DVD - from Lleyton Hewitt's Coach Peter Smith - 'Tennis in 10 Minutes' by Virtual Tennis Coach - Released 2010



South Australian Peter Smith has 40 years experience as a Teaching Professional. Twice voted Australian Tennis Coach of the Year,
Peter is most widely known as the long term coach of former World No. 1 and Wimbledon Champion 
Lleyton Hewitt.

Tennis in 10 Minutes is the perfect guide for anyone learning to play this great sport. Covering all of the basic techniques in 4 simple lessons,
this DVD is an ideal introduction to tennis.
this DVD is an ideal introduction to tennis.

this DVD is an ideal introduction to tennis.

Available to buy on Amazon as a DVD - this product comes with a FREE booklet highlighting the main teaching points.

Each DVD Section includes:

Visual and verbal sequences highlighting the main teaching points for all the basic strokes

An overview of the main teaching points with supporting text

FREE Bonus Material

Extras section featuring an in-depth analysis of The Serve - taken from Peter’s critically acclaimed debut coaching DVD The Development Stage

Interviews with some of Peter Smith's former pupils including:

Layton Hewitt Former World No.1, US Open and Wimbledon Champion

John Fitzgerald Former World No.1 (doubles), current Australian Davis Cup Captain

Darren Ca hill Coach to Andre Agassi

Roger Rasheed Coach to Gail Monfils

A Tribute to the late Peter Carter Coach to Roger Federer

Website Trailers

Quotes from Peter's Pupils


"In my mind he's the best technical coach out there"
Lleyton Hewitt
Former World No. 1, US Open and Wimbledon Champion

"There is a great argument to say that Peter Smith has had more influence than any coach
in Australia in the past two decades in terms of producing world class players"

John Fitzgerald
Former World No.1 (doubles), current Australian Davis Cup Captain