The Most Difficult Shots to Master in Tennis

28 November 2025

Tennis is an art as much as it is a sport. While the fundamentals like forehands and backhands are crucial, mastering the advanced shots separates the good players from the greats. Some shots require impeccable timing, hand-eye coordination, and an almost instinctive ability to read the game.

In this article, we’ll dive into the most difficult shots to master in tennis, breaking down why they are so tricky and how professionals make them look effortless. So, if you're looking to level up your game, buckle up—you're in for a challenge!

1. The Tweener

This shot is as flashy as it is difficult. The tweener—hitting the ball between your legs while running back to retrieve a lob—is a high-risk, high-reward play. It’s often used as a last-ditch effort when a player is out of position.

Why It's Hard:

- Requires perfect timing
- Must calculate the ball’s bounce and trajectory while sprinting
- A small misstep can lead to hitting yourself with the racket

Tennis legends like Roger Federer and Gaël Monfils have made it look easy, but trust me, it’s anything but!

2. The Backhand Slice Drop Shot

A devastating shot when executed correctly, the backhand slice drop shot is a blend of finesse and deception. It combines backspin with an incredibly light touch, forcing opponents to scramble forward unexpectedly.

Why It's Hard:

- Needs precise control over racket angle and swing speed
- The backspin must be strong enough to stop the ball quickly
- Too heavy a hit, and it becomes an easy return for the opponent

Most players use this as a surprise tactic to break the rhythm of aggressive baseliners. When pulled off just right, it’s a thing of beauty.

3. The Kick Serve

If you want to dominate service games, mastering the kick serve is essential. Unlike flat or slice serves, the kick serve generates extreme topspin, making the ball bounce high and away from the receiver.

Why It's Hard:

- Requires a unique brushing motion to generate topspin
- Demands strength and flexibility in the wrist and forearm
- Proper ball toss is crucial for consistency

Rafael Nadal’s kick serve on clay is a nightmare for opponents, as it bounces above their shoulders, making returns awkward and weak.

4. The Running Forehand

Hitting a powerful and accurate forehand while on the run is one of the most challenging aspects of tennis. Players often find themselves sprinting to the ball, but only the most skilled can turn defense into offense with this shot.

Why It's Hard:

- Requires footwork that allows for optimal positioning
- Needs brutal wrist control to maintain accuracy
- Must generate power while maintaining balance

Roger Federer, again, is a master at this. He can hit winners from impossible angles even while running at full speed.

5. The One-Handed Backhand

In an era where two-handed backhands dominate, the one-handed backhand remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing but difficult shots to execute. It requires tremendous strength, timing, and technique.

Why It's Hard:

- Less stability compared to a two-handed backhand
- Requires perfect timing to avoid mishits
- Generates less power unless struck flawlessly

Players like Stan Wawrinka and Stefanos Tsitsipas have turned this shot into a weapon, hitting breathtaking winners down the line.

6. The Half-Volley

A half-volley is one of those shots that separate average players from elite ones. Instead of letting the ball bounce up fully, you need to make contact right after it touches the court, requiring outstanding reflexes.

Why It's Hard:

- Minimal reaction time to adjust racket position
- Requires soft hands to control the ball
- A miscalculation leads to errors or weak returns

This shot is often used at the net when there’s little time to react, making it one of the most challenging shots to consistently execute well.

7. The Inside-Out Forehand

This shot requires agility and power, as you need to position yourself to hit a forehand from a backhand position. Instead of taking the easy backhand, you move around the ball to strike with your dominant side.

Why It's Hard:

- Requires quick footwork to reposition
- Must generate enough power to go crosscourt
- Risky because it leaves one side of the court open

Top players like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal use this shot strategically to take control of rallies. When timed perfectly, it can be a match-defining move.

8. The Serve-and-Volley Play

While serve-and-volley used to be a staple in tennis, modern baseliners have made it less common. However, those who master it can still use it as a deadly weapon. The idea is to serve aggressively and rush the net for a quick volley finish.

Why It's Hard:

- Requires near-perfect placement on the serve
- Must have lightning-fast reflexes for the volley
- Poor execution leaves you extremely vulnerable

Players like Pete Sampras and Stefan Edberg built legends around their serve-and-volley mastery, but in today’s game, it’s a rare skill few can execute consistently.

9. The Drop Volley

This isn’t just a volley—it’s a soft, delicate shot that dies immediately after hitting the court, leaving the opponent with zero time to react.

Why It's Hard:

- Demands feather-light touch
- Needs excellent wrist control
- A small miscalculation leads to easy returns

It’s often used in doubles but can be a game-changer in singles as well, especially when catching an opponent off guard.

10. The Lob Under Pressure

A defensive lob is one thing, but executing a perfect lob under pressure is a whole different challenge. When an opponent rushes the net, a high, well-placed lob can completely flip the rally.

Why It's Hard:

- Requires precise depth and height control
- Needs to be deep enough to prevent a smash return
- Must calculate the opponent’s positioning in real-time

Great players like Andy Murray use this shot to neutralize even the most aggressive net players, often turning defense into offense.

Final Thoughts

Mastering these shots isn’t just about technique; it’s about reading the court, staying calm under pressure, and making split-second decisions. The difference between amateurs and pros? Pros make the impossible look effortless.

If you're serious about improving your tennis game, start by practicing these shots one at a time—small improvements can make a massive difference in your overall play. So, which shot will you tackle first?