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What is an overhead shot in tennis?

An overhead is hit with the racquet above your head, like a serve.

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  1. A low ball sliced with backspin
  2. A short angled shot just over the net
  3. A high ball hit above your head ✔

Why: USTA defines an overhead as a stroke made with the racquet above the head in a motion like an overhand serve. It often answers a lob.

Huh, didn't know that: A hard overhead shot is called a smash.

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Why do overheads always have the high ground? Because they are above the net.
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References

Answer: A high ball hit above your head. USTA defines an overhead as a stroke made with the racquet above the head in a motion like an overhand serve. It often answers a lob.

  1. USTA: Tennis terms and definitions www.usta.com/en/home/improve/tips-and-instruction/national/tennis-terms-definitions.html
    a stroke made with the racquet above the head in a motion similar to that of an overhand serve
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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