Groundstrokes
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
Shots hit after the ball bounces: forehand and backhand.
Say it on court
“Groundstrokes are your rally shots.”
TechniquePlayersParentsCoaches
Stages:
One-handed backhand
The backhand hit with only the dominant hand. The free arm pulls back for balance.
Say it on court
“Free hand goes back as the racquet goes forward.”
Recommended for junior development: Orange, Green, Yellow (Ages 7–10)ID: one-handed-backhand
Related Development Terms
4 connected entriesVolleys
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
Shots hit before the ball bounces: forehand volley, backhand volley, serve and smash.
Say it on court
“No bounce. Catch it out of the air.”
Forehand
PlayersParents
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
The groundstroke hit on the dominant-hand side of the body.
Say it on court
“Forehand side is your racquet-hand side.”
Two-handed backhand
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
The backhand hit with both hands on the grip. Most orange-stage players use it because it gives more control and strength.
Say it on court
“Two hands give you more control right now.”
More in Technique for Orange
Strokes, grips and the parts of a good swing.
Groundstrokes
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
Shots hit after the ball bounces: forehand and backhand.
Say it on court
“Groundstrokes are your rally shots.”
Volleys
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
Shots hit before the ball bounces: forehand volley, backhand volley, serve and smash.
Say it on court
“No bounce. Catch it out of the air.”
Forehand
PlayersParents
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
The groundstroke hit on the dominant-hand side of the body.
Say it on court
“Forehand side is your racquet-hand side.”
Two-handed backhand
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
The backhand hit with both hands on the grip. Most orange-stage players use it because it gives more control and strength.
Say it on court
“Two hands give you more control right now.”
Serve
PlayersParentsCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
The shot that starts every point, hit from behind the baseline after a toss. In orange, players build a simple, repeatable toss and swing.
Say it on court
“Same toss, every time.”
Smash
PlayersCoaches
Red (Ages 5–8)
Orange (Ages 7–10)
Green (Ages 9–12)
Yellow (Ages 11+)
An overhead shot hit on a high ball, usually near the net. The key elements are turning sideways, pointing at the ball with the free hand, and moving under it.
Say it on court
“Turn, point, hit.”