Taking the Ball Early: The “Go To” Mindset Taking the ball on the rise in tennis is a mindset that takes focus and determination. Moving to the ball is demanding on the body and takes much more effort than waiting for the ball. That is why so many recreational players tend to wait for the ball, […]
Free Tennis & Pickleball Lessons
Free guides, drills and tips for tennis and pickleball players of all levels. Resources created by certified instructors at Reno Tennis Center.
How to Hit a Tennis Return of Serve
Tennis Return of Serve: Importance The tennis return of serve is the second most important shot in tennis behind the serve. The first shot you hit in half the games you play will be the return of serve. Most players would be satisfied neutralizing their opponents serve with their return. Others have developed their return […]
Tennis Overhead Smash & Scissor-Kick Overhead
Tennis Overhead Smash The tennis overhead smash is one of the most explosive strokes in the game. At the professional level the overhead typically results in either a winner or their opponent barely getting a racquet on the ball. Pete Sampras put his flare on the overhead smash in the 90s by leaping into the […]
Tennis Serve Technique & Fundamentals Guide
The tennis serve is the only shot in tennis where you have complete control — no opponent, no reaction required, just you and the ball. Yet it remains the most technically complex stroke in the game. In this guide, Randy Reynolds — certified tennis instructor and director of Tennis Nation at Reno Tennis Center — […]
How to Hit an Effective Tennis Approach Shot
The tennis approach shot is the bridge between baseline play and net dominance. Executed correctly, it puts your opponent under immediate pressure and shortens the point in your favor. In this guide, Randy Reynolds — certified tennis instructor and director of Tennis Nation at Reno Tennis Center — breaks down the footwork, spacing and stroke […]
5 Steps to Hitting a Tennis Backhand Slice
The tennis backhand slice is one of the most versatile and underutilized shots in the game. When executed correctly, it skids low through the court, disrupts your opponent’s rhythm and buys you critical recovery time. In this guide, Randy Reynolds — certified tennis instructor and director of Tennis Nation at Reno Tennis Center — breaks […]
How to Hit a Two-Handed Backhand Groundstroke in Tennis
The two-handed backhand groundstroke is one of the most reliable and powerful shots in modern tennis. Used by the majority of professional players today, it provides stability, topspin and control — especially on high balls. In this guide, Randy Reynolds — certified tennis instructor and director of Tennis Nation at Reno Tennis Center — breaks […]
Tennis Backhand Groundstroke Ultimate Guide
The tennis backhand groundstroke can be executed three ways: the one-handed backhand, the two-handed backhand, and the slice backhand. Each option has strengths and weaknesses — knowing when to use each one is what separates consistent players from reactive ones. Tennis Backhand Groundstroke: Stances There are two main backhand groundstroke stances: the neutral stance backhand, […]