An apparatus and method for the training of tennis strokes are provided that allow the user to develop spin and consistency in each stroke. The stroke training apparatus consists of a ball; a housing member comprising a first side, wherein the first side comprises a planar area and an opening that is circumscribed by the planar area; and an attachment means for attaching the ball to the housing member, wherein the ball can rotate around an axis and a non-zero volume less than or equal to one-half of the total volume of the ball protrudes through the opening on the first side. The method comprises contacting a racquet to the stroke training apparatus, guiding the racquet along the lower planar area, guiding the racquet along the surface of the ball after guiding the racquet along the lower planar area; and guiding the racquet along the upper planar area after guiding the racquet along the surface of the ball.