Watch: A two-handed backhand in tennis
Holding the tennis racket with both hands (with the "back" hand underneath the second hand), the athlete's shoulders and hips turn toward the ball, and the weight shifts forward. The ball should be hit just in front of the athlete and with the centre of the racket head in order to produce a flat, powerful shot. Both hands are kept on the racket in the follow-through.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.With the tennis racket back and shoulders turned, the athlete steps into the ball with the lead foot. The ball should be struck just in front of the lead foot and far enough away from the body so that the elbow is slightly bent upon the strike. A sweeping low-to-high motion will produce topspin, which creates higher bounces that keep the opponent behind the baseline.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.The tennis serve begins with the racket-side foot placed parallel to the net and the lead foot pointed at the nearest net post. As the toss is made, the racket arm extends downward to begin an upward and forward circular motion. The ball is released overhead and just in front. As the ball descends, the body rotates, and the head of the racket moves explosively through the ball.
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