The forehand slice; moonball; body serve: 5 underrated tennis tactics

Underrated Week isn't just about the pro game. Here are five overlooked tactics you can use once you're back on the court.

It may be one of the ugliest shots in the sport, and one of the most rarely seen in the pros. But it was used to great effect by Agnieszka Radwanska, who climbed all the way to No. 2 in the world, and Monica Niculescu sliced the likes of Maria Sharapova off the court with it.

Being able to surprise opponents with a different spin from your forehand side is handy, especially in the rec game. This shot shouldn’t be hit timidly; take a short but firm swing (watch the video above, featuring slice savant John Newcombe, to see how it's done). It works as an aggressive return against big servers, and as a method to change pace. It can help create sharp angles and aid in charging the net. During rallies, a forehand slice will throw off your opponent because it’s seemingly taboo to hit—and therein lies its beauty.

This underrated shot is best used sporadically, as regular use will take away from your more powerful, topspin forehand weapon. But this slice is a weapon all its own.—Nina Pantic, former player at UCLA and the University of Missouri

This shot—with an emphasis on depth—is one of the most underrated and underutilized shots in tennis. Denis Kudla said this about Rafael Nadal, “most players can pass you either cross court or down the line, but Rafa can literally hit the ball around you with his forehand.”

Today's players swing as hard as they can on almost every shot, yet hardly ever miss. A weak approach to either corner is a death sentence, but by approaching deep down the middle, you avoid giving your opponent any angle with which to pass you. It’s simple geometry, and also provides more options on the ensuing volley.

“You aren’t beating Novak Djokovic by hitting to the corners, he’s too good and too fast,” Kudla added. “Your best chance against him is to play him down the middle, and hope he gets bored.”—Cale Hammond, former player at Duke University

Kudla played Djokovic at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2019. (Getty Images)

It can feel silent in a sold-out arena, or deafening with no one in sight. The 90-second changeover is what you make of it: a crucial portion of any match, but also one of the most overlooked.

From an outside perspective, the changeover is simply a break in the action, but it carries much more significance between the lines. When a player sits down, the break is a chance to recover, reflect and collect their thoughts by focusing solely on the task at hand, whether that be closing out a match or fighting to remain alive.

But the changeover can be a double-edged sword. If clouded with negative thoughts, the time can eat up an opportunity to find clarity in what may seem like chaos. Once the umpire calls “time,” a player’s mental work during the changeover unfolds.—Jordaan Sanford, former player at the University of Maryland and Baylor University

The first things that come to mind about Andy Murray's game are his trademark two-handed backhand and his exceptional defensive play. What is rarely talked about, though, is his occasional use of the moonball, a tactic that is more prevalent in junior tennis.

A skilled moonballer uses this approach by hitting the ball up high, with heavy topspin, during a baseline rally to slow down the action and force an opponent to retreat. It works especially well against aggressive players who love pace, as it throws them off their rhythm, neutralizes their attacking strategy and makes it more difficult for them to come forward.

The key to executing this shot is focusing on depth. This will push opponents further behind the baseline, or force them to hit a tricky on-the-rise shot.—Ashley Ndebele, TENNIS.com and Baseline

When serving at 30-30, we all like to believe we are capable of channeling Pete Sampras by reaching back for an ace. Unfortunately, most of us do not possess a proverbial pistol to fire at our disposal.

While not as flashy or gratifying, the body serve is an undervalued tactic when serving in key moments. For one, it provides players a bigger target to aim for. It also sends a clear message to the other side: do not let your feet get too comfortable. Serving out wide is a popular play, but in some instances, it gives the right returner the angle he or she is looking for—Novak Djokovic, anyone? By serving to the body, especially at the rec level, your opponent’s wherewithal to remain balanced under pressure will be tested. And though you may not earn as many points off of unreturned serves, this approach will often lead to an ineffective reply, putting you in control to dictate.—Matt Fitzgerald, TENNIS.com and Tennis Magazine

UNDERRATED TRAITS OF THE GREATS: Roger Federer—Winning ugly | Simona Halep—Boldness | Rafael Nadal—When to come to net | Sofia Kenin—Variety | Pete Sampras—Movement | Serena Williams—Plan B | Novak Djokovic—Forehand versatility | Chris Evert—Athleticism | Daniil Medvedev—Reading the room | Naomi Osaka—Return of serve

RANKINGS: The five most underrated tennis stats | The five most underrated No. 1s | The five most underrated Grand Slam runs

YOUR GAME: Why mental strength is underrated | Five underrated tennis tactics