| In Tennis, as an introduction to mastering all ball | | | | direction of the right net post.3. Toss the ball out |
| placement and a variety of strokes, the courtesy | | | | toward the right net post, about two feet from the |
| stroke should be learned. This stroke is a forehand | | | | body, at thigh-height (half way between the knee and |
| volley with a half swing, used to start the ball for a rally | | | | waist.4. Immediately step toward the net on the left |
| or to get it back to the opponent before service. It | | | | foot, letting the racquet swing forward to contact the |
| allows the player on the opposite court either to catch | | | | ball before it has dropped to knee-height.5. Let the |
| it in their hand on the first bounce, or to get it into play | | | | racquet finish at shoulder height, out in the direction of |
| for the rally.The ball flight of the "courtesy stroke" is an | | | | the ball flight.The simplicity of this stroke allows for |
| upward arc over the net. The ball is not hit forcefully, | | | | good results in accuracy of ball placement as long as |
| and will land nearer the service line than the baseline. A | | | | the ball toss is correct, and the racquet swings in a |
| tennis player has use for this stroke from the first day | | | | horizontal plane.Most beginners can master the stroke |
| he wields a tennis racquet to the last day of his tennis | | | | during the first tennis practice. Beginners having |
| career. Champions, warming up before a match, start | | | | difficulty will be found to be tossing the ball badly; taking |
| the ball to their opponents with the courtesy stroke. | | | | too wide a back-swing; or not lining up the center of |
| Coaches use this stroke in setting up the balls for their | | | | the racquet with the ball. Often these beginners will |
| pupils. Since ball fetchers are a rarity in most tennis | | | | prefer to let the ball bounce before hitting it. This is not |
| matches, the courtesy stroke assists the players in | | | | advisable, since the bounce should be reserved for the |
| getting the balls back politely to the server before | | | | true forehand drive, wherein a full backswing is taken, |
| each point.Note: It is decidedly impolite to start the ball, | | | | and more force is applied to the ball than should be |
| or retrieve it by tossing it up in front of the face, and | | | | used on a courtesy stroke.Here are some common |
| hitting it in a downward direction over the net. Too | | | | faults to watch out for: |
| frequently the ball will not clear the net, and if it does, | | | | 1. "Hitting" the ball rather than "stroking" it, caused by |
| the bounce is usually difficult for the opposite player to | | | | jabbing at the ball and stopping the racquet half |
| handle.The technique of the courtesy stroke will aid the | | | | through the swing.2. Taking racquet back too high, and |
| beginner in learning the true forehand drive, as well as | | | | following through too low. Result is a netted ball, or a |
| a variety of other strokes, for they have the following | | | | chop stroke.3. Getting too close to the ball so that a |
| points in common:1. Grip.2. Body position.3. Horizontal | | | | cramped elbow action swing is taken.4. Taking the |
| racquet swing.4. Body moving toward the net as the | | | | backswing too late, so that the forward swing is made |
| stroke is made.However, it is also important to note the | | | | hurriedly.5. Starting the forward swing too soon, so that |
| differences, which do not affect the learning of the | | | | the ball is hit before it is opposite the body.6. Dropping |
| true forehand drive, are:1. The length of racquet swing | | | | the racquet head below the wrist, a scoop stroke |
| is cut down. The racquet is swung back only to a | | | | resulting.Practise on the courtesy stroke is worthwhile, |
| position opposite the right thigh.2. The ball is hit on the | | | | for once it is mastered, it will never be forgotten. |
| volley (before it has bounced).3. The ball is started with | | | | Learners should use this stroke continually for starting |
| a toss by the player, instead of coming from the | | | | a rally, and in sending the balls back to the server |
| opposite side of the net.4. The ball is hit when it is | | | | before each point. Mastery consists of the ability to |
| farther forward toward the net, and slightly lower than | | | | place the ball accurately to the forehand or backhand |
| it is in the usual forehand drive.5. The ball flight is slightly | | | | of the opposite player for rallies; or to place it so that |
| more in an upward direction.6. The ball is hit with less | | | | the server can catch it in his hand on the first bounce |
| force.Step by step, here is how to perform the | | | | without moving.FREE information on how to play |
| courtesy swing:1. Stand with the left side toward the | | | | Tennis like a professional. Expert tips, tricks and advice |
| net and the racquet held out horizontally opposite the | | | | all for you. It's FREE! |
| right thigh.2. Hold the ball in the left hand, pointing in the | | | | |