'Tennis is boxing, it's a violent sport, one against the other and it's boxing without contact''. So said Andre Agassi  -  shots come at you and you feel them like a boxer.

The lob is mainly used as a defensive shot and very occasionally with topspin as a point winner. If you are playing a serve volleyer you may find the lob has strategic value and if you are proficient in its use it can break up your opponents' volley rhythm.

The volley is a shot where you can really use the expression ''less is more''! No swinging of the racket is necessary for this shot. Instead, the player delivers a short and firm punch of the racket head to the ball before it bounces on their side of the net.

This shot can be defensive or a deliberate strategy to give a change of dynamics with a lower bouncing ball that comes fast off the court surface. The grip is called Continental and is similar to a volley grip but with the fingers spread  -  shake hands style.

A classic shot, in times past considered a standard backhand but now regarded as a variation shot. Although it may not win the point it will enable you to stay in the point and rally or negotiate further and look to use one of your attacking weapons.