The Most Difficult Shot in Tennis, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the shot you think is the most difficult!

Updated on May 15, 2024 06:26

Tennis, a game of skill and strategy, involves various shots that players must master. Among these, some are notoriously difficult, demanding precision, timing, and technique. Understanding and ranking these shots can help players of all levels appreciate the complexities of the game and potentially improve their own skills. This interactive list provides an opportunity for tennis enthusiasts to contribute their opinions on which shots are the toughest. By voting, users influence the rankings, creating a dynamic list that reflects the collective views of the community. This not only fosters engagement within the tennis community but also offers insights into the challenges faced by players on the court.

What Is the Most Difficult Shot in Tennis?

1

79
votes
The between-the-legs shot (also known as the "tweener")

This shot is considered one of the most difficult because it requires a high level of skill, timing, and athleticism to execute. Players typically use this shot as a last resort when they are out of position or unable to hit a conventional shot.
The between-the-legs shot, also known as the 'tweener' in tennis, is a unique shot that players use as a last resort when they find themselves out of position or unable to execute a regular shot. The tweener involves hitting the ball between the legs while facing away from the net, often with the player's back towards it.

Difficulty Level: Extremely difficult

Unpredictability: The shot is highly unpredictable for opponents as it is not commonly used.

Riskiness: The shot carries a high risk, as it requires precise timing and can easily result in errors.

Entertainment Value: The tweener shot is often considered an entertaining and crowd-pleasing display of skill.

Variations: There are variations of the tweener, including the defensive lob tweener and the offensive passing shot tweener.
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19
votes
The drop shot

This shot requires a delicate touch and precision, as it involves hitting the ball softly and just over the net, causing it to drop abruptly and bounce low.
The drop shot is a tennis shot that is executed by gently tapping the ball with underspin, causing it to drop just over the net and land close to the net on the opponent's side of the court.

Difficulty: High

Type: Offensive shot

Purpose: To catch the opponent off-guard and force them to quickly approach the net

Spin: Underspin (Backspin)

Contact point: Slightly in front of the body
3

13
votes
The lob

This shot requires good timing, judgment, and accuracy, as it involves hitting the ball high and deep into the opponent's court to force them to retreat and hit a defensive shot.
The lob is a shot in tennis that is played by hitting the ball high and deep into the opponent's court, aimed to travel over their head and land close to the baseline. It is often used as a defensive tactic to buy time or change the rhythm of the game.

Difficulty Level: High

Objective: To hit the ball high and deep into opponent's court

Effect: To force the opponent to move back or retrieve the lobbed ball

Technique: Requires a controlled topspin swing with an open racket face

Timing: Requires precise timing to contact the ball at the right height
The lob in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Bob haircut
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20
votes
Lionel Allorge · CC BY-SA 3.0

The serve

The serve is considered the most important shot in tennis, as it sets the tone for the point and can give a player a significant advantage. It requires a combination of power, accuracy, and placement to be effective.
The serve in tennis is the most difficult shot as it initiates every point and sets the tone for the game. It is the act of hitting the ball into the opponent's service box to start the rally.

Speed: Can reach speeds of over 150 mph

Accuracy: Needs to land within a specific area of the service box

Placement: Strategically targeting weak areas of the opponent's court

Spin: Different spins can be employed to make the serve more challenging

Toss: Requiring a consistent and precise toss of the ball
5

10
votes
The overhead smash

This shot requires good timing, coordination, and power, as it involves hitting the ball overhead and smashing it down into the opponent's court.
The overhead smash is a powerful shot in tennis that is executed when the ball is hit above the shoulder level. It is typically used when an opponent hits a high lob, allowing the player to generate a lot of force and angle in their shot.

Difficulty level: High

Force: Strong

Accuracy: Crucial

Timing: Critical

Hand position: Grip change for most players
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6
votes
The backhand slice

This shot is difficult because it involves hitting the ball with a slicing motion, which can be challenging to control and keep low.
The backhand slice is a difficult and versatile shot used in tennis. It involves hitting the ball with a slicing motion using the backhand side of the racquet, imparting backspin on the ball. This shot is frequently used as a defensive stroke to keep the ball low over the net, making it difficult for opponents to attack.

Grip: Eastern or Semi-Western

Footwork: Open stance or neutral stance

Racquet Angle: Slight closed racquet face

Contact Point: Slightly in front of the body

Backswing: Moderate to low
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6
votes
The inside-out forehand

This shot requires good footwork and timing, as it involves hitting the ball with a forehand stroke from the backhand side of the court, allowing the player to hit the ball with more power and angle.
The inside-out forehand is a challenging shot in tennis where the player hits the ball with a forehand swing but directs it diagonally across the court from the inside of the baseline to the outer edge of the opposite service box. This shot requires precise timing, footwork, and technique to generate power and accuracy.

Difficulty: High

Angle of shot: Diagonally across the court

Swing: Forehand

Direction: Inside of baseline to outer edge of opposite service box

Footwork: Crucial for positioning and balance
8

1
votes
The inside-in forehand

This shot is similar to the inside-out forehand, but involves hitting the ball with a forehand stroke from the forehand side of the court, allowing the player to hit the ball with more angle and disguise.
The inside-in forehand is a difficult shot in tennis that involves hitting the ball with pace and accuracy from a position close to the center of the court towards the opposite corner. This shot requires excellent footwork, timing, and racket control to execute effectively.

Difficulty Level: High

Footwork: Quick lateral movements

Shot Accuracy: Precise placement towards the corner

Racket Swing: Full extension and follow-through

Racket Control: Maintaining control while generating power
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5
votes
The half-volley

This shot is difficult because it involves hitting the ball just after it has bounced, requiring good reflexes and timing to execute properly.
The half-volley is a challenging shot in tennis that requires precise timing and skill. It is executed by hitting the ball just after it bounces off the court, close to the ground. This shot requires excellent hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and proper technique to successfully hit the ball cleanly and accurately.

Difficulty Level: High

Timing: Critical

Swing: Short and compact

Footwork: Fast and agile

Contact Point: Near ground level
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11
votes
The passing shot

This shot requires good anticipation, footwork, and accuracy, as it involves hitting the ball past the opponent and into an open area of the court while they are at the net.
The passing shot is a challenging shot in tennis that is executed to pass the opponent at the net and win the point. It requires precision, timing, and anticipation to navigate the ball across the court away from the opponent's reach.

Difficulty: High

Technique: Aggressive and accurate shot placement

Purpose: To pass the opponent at the net and win the point

Execution: Requires good footwork and timing to reach the ball and hit it with power and control

Target Area: Generally aimed towards the sidelines or behind the net player

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Discussion

Ranking factors for difficult shot

Technique

The level of skill and precision required to execute the shot effectively and consistently.
Footwork and positioning

The movement and agility needed to get into the correct position to hit the shot.
Timing

The ability to time the shot correctly, accounting for factors such as ball speed, trajectory, and spin.
Court position

The player's position on the court relative to the opponent and the ball, as well as the angle and distance required to hit the shot effectively.
Risk vs reward

The potential payoff of successfully executing the shot in terms of winning the point or gaining an advantage, weighed against the likelihood of making an error or giving the opponent an opportunity to counterattack.
Physical exertion

The level of strength, flexibility, and endurance required to perform the shot.
Mental focus and pressure

The ability to execute the shot under pressure, especially in critical moments of a match or against a strong opponent.
Adaptability

The ability to adapt and adjust the shot to different playing conditions, including variations in court surface, weather, and the opponent's playing style.
Deception and unpredictability

The ability to disguise the shot and keep the opponent guessing about the intended direction, spin, and power of the shot.
Consistency and reproducibility

The ability to execute the shot repeatedly and consistently throughout the match, maintaining the same level of effectiveness and minimizing unforced errors.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult shot in tennis. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or shot is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1436 views
172 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each shot once every 24 hours. The rank of each shot is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most difficult shot in tennis

Tennis is a sport that requires a unique combination of physical and mental abilities. One of the most challenging aspects of tennis is hitting the ball with accuracy and power. The sport has a variety of shots that players can use, each with its own unique challenges. However, some shots are more difficult than others, and players must master these shots to become successful in the game. One of the most challenging shots in tennis is the backhand. The backhand requires players to hit the ball with their non-dominant hand, which can be difficult for many players. This shot requires a great deal of skill and technique to execute properly, as players must generate enough power and spin to keep the ball in play. Another difficult shot in tennis is the overhead smash. This shot requires players to hit the ball from above their heads, which can be challenging to time and control. Players must also generate enough power to hit the ball past their opponents, making this shot a crucial weapon in any player's arsenal. Overall, tennis is a demanding sport that requires a high level of skill and athleticism. Mastering the most difficult shots in the game is essential to becoming a successful player and achieving success on the court.