Secret Strokes of Genius That Changed Tennis Forever

Tennis is a sport that has been around for centuries, and over the years, it has evolved significantly. Some of the most iconic tennis strokes were invented relatively recently, and they have had a profound impact on the game.

The Underarm Serve

The underarm serve is one of the most controversial strokes in tennis. It is a serve that is hit below the waist, and it is often used to surprise an opponent or to return a particularly difficult serve. The underarm serve was first popularized by Australian player Tony Roche in the 1960s, and it has been used by a number of great players over the years, including Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, and Pete Sampras.

Tony Roche, one of the first players to popularize the underarm serve.

The underarm serve is often criticized as being unsportsmanlike, but it is a legal stroke. Many argue that it is a legitimate way to win a point, while others believe that it is a cheap tactic. In 2017, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) voted to remove the underarm serve from the rules of the game, but this decision was later overturned.

The Dropshot

The dropshot is a shot that is hit softly and with a lot of backspin. It is often used to surprise an opponent and to force them to come to the net. The dropshot was first popularized by American player Bill Tilden in the 1920s, and it has been used by a number of great players over the years, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

Roger Federer, one of the greatest dropshotters in tennis history.

The dropshot is a very effective shot, but it is also very difficult to hit. It requires a lot of touch and accuracy, and it can be easily mishit. However, when executed properly, the dropshot can be a devastating weapon.

The Lob

The lob is a shot that is hit high into the air over an opponent's head. It is often used to get out of trouble or to force an opponent to lob back. The lob was first popularized by American player Ellsworth Vines in the 1930s, and it has been used by a number of great players over the years, including Bjorn Borg, Ivan Lendl, and Pete Sampras.

Ivan Lendl, one of the masters of the lob.

The lob is a very effective shot, but it is also very risky. If it is mishit, it can easily give an opponent an easy point. However, when executed properly, the lob can be a great way to escape trouble or to force an opponent into a difficult position.

The Backhand

The backhand is a stroke that is hit with the back of the hand. It is the most common stroke in tennis, and it can be used to hit a variety of shots. The backhand was first developed in the 1860s, and it has evolved significantly over the years.

Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest backhanders in the game.

The backhand is a very versatile stroke, and it can be used to hit a variety of shots, including drives, slices, and dropshots. The backhand is also a very powerful stroke, and it can be used to hit winners from almost anywhere on the court.

The Forehand

The forehand is a stroke that is hit with the front of the hand. It is the most powerful stroke in tennis, and it can be used to hit a variety of shots. The forehand was first developed in the 1870s, and it has evolved significantly over the years.

Roger Federer, one of the greatest forehanders in the game.

The forehand is a very versatile stroke, and it can be used to hit a variety of shots, including drives, slices, and dropshots. The forehand is also a very powerful stroke, and it can be used to hit winners from almost anywhere on the court.

The Volley

The volley is a stroke that is hit before the ball bounces. It is often used to put away a weak shot or to surprise an opponent. The volley was first popularized by American player Chuck McKinley in the 1950s, and it has been used by a number of great players over the years, including Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, and Novak Djokovic.

Roger Federer, one of the greatest volleyers of all time.

The volley is a very effective shot, but it is also very difficult to hit. It requires a lot of touch and accuracy, and it can be easily mishit. However, when executed properly, the volley can be a devastating weapon.

The Passing Shot

The passing shot is a shot that is hit between an opponent and the net. It is often used to get out of trouble or to force an opponent to come to the net. The passing shot was first popularized by Australian player Ken Rosewall in the