<p>Your question is a loaded one and the answer is it depends. The main tennis objective is to get the ball back any way you can. With that said, it really depends on your strokes, skill level, fitness level, grip, and if it is a forehand or backhand.</p>
<p>I will assume that you are a sub- 4.0 level player. On the return of serve, if it is a forehand then bend the knees, short backswing and drive thru the ball with the racket finishing at the target. Also keep your head down and eyes on the ball as it makes contact. See the shot to the target. </p>
<p>If it is a backhand, then it matters whether you are one-handed or two-handed. If you are a two-handed are you able to take one hand off and hit a slice ala Mats Wilander? If two handed then very quickly move to the shot with small steps, short backswing and forward to the target with eyes on the ball into the racket. Knee must be bent and the terminology sit down on the shot is used. </p>
<p>For the rally, essentially the same as above but you will need to move more and be swifter getting to the shot. I am a believer that at least 75% of the success of the shot is in the preparation. Getting to the ball, making minute adjustments, racket back and allow the ball to be in your strike zone. </p>
<p>Extreme angle shots also depend on what the opponent is forcing you to do? If the angle has you stretched out then you try to get firm contact on the ball with an appropriate trajectory. If you are inside the baseline then you should probably go for a firm shot. If behind the baseline go up with the ball if pressure is high. If you are not stretched, then by all means drive the ball. </p>
<p>Lastly, you question about topspin again requires an it depends response. If you have time to hit a drive then you would definitely hit a topspin drive. The slice can be a strategy particularly if your opponent has trouble with it. With the slice you turn your body and keep the lead shoulder forward and come through the ball being firm but slicing forward as opposed to a chip. A chip is another type of shot that has a “chopping” down action on the ball.</p>
<p>Remember, tennis is about hitting the ball where the other person isnt and making the opponent uncomfortable. The trick is learning how to determine that. Some do it ok, some dont care (the Williams sister) and some are exceptional (Agassi).</p>