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Good video. What I have been doing is hitting the short ball; then
thinking about trying to recover my court position in the middle of the
court. Lot of guys at my level, 3.5, are guilty of this. What I am
finding is everyone has strong enough of a net game to really discourage
guys from coming to net. I can see how this can be a good strategy.
I have problems in that area since I mostly stay at the baseline. I find I
can’t hit the ball correctly especially if it’s a weak shot. It goes out. I
would love to be able to fix this and punish weak returns and weak serves.
Thanks.
Most of the mistakes that I see in taking the short ball is the decision to
go for too much or even a put away. As a rule, this is a combination shot,
beginning with the approach….so, try to avoid doing too much and
concentrate on placement with depth. On the backhand, a good shoulder turn
will enable a great slice approach and if it is deep, it will be very
difficult for the opponent to handle. Often neglected is the forehand slice
approach, or hit the forehand approach with the windshield wiper action
that can impart side spin. Going deep cross court or up the line with slice
or side spin from either side need not be hit too hard to be effective.
Finally, just because a short ball may be a “sitter” these are difficult to
control when trying to generate pace and placement. A lot of players think
because it is an easy shot to crush. It is a difficult shot to handle
properly. Do not let a “sitter” make you a “sucker” by going for too much
on this one.
I have been looking for a solution to this particular probelm for a long
time. I have a decent serve so I get these short returns often. However, I
am master of hitting back these shots into top of the net or about 6-12″
long 80% of the time. Without knowing anything about my swing, any advice
on hitting the ball slightly higher and slightly shorter to put away these
returns? Meanwhile, I will focus on the points you mentioned above and see
if it helps. Thank you.
actually that’s my forte…I love hitting approach shots. I just hit them
all in the same corner. Gotta vary it up. Of course I need to get back on a
tennis court. Lol
I tend to be in a rush to get up to the net, so I pull up while I’m still
in the motion of the stroke. I think that is the reason quite a few of my
approaches go long, esp. on the forehand.
Why can I hit a coming ball, who dropped to knee hight, as hard and precise
as I want, but a high ball at shoulder hight will at a even not “that” hard
stroke go into the net or out… When I try to hit high and early (T-line),
I lose a set 2:6 against an opponent I beat 6:2 when I let the ball drop
and hit at the baseline on knee hight. Any technique tips?
Good video. What I have been doing is hitting the short ball; then
thinking about trying to recover my court position in the middle of the
court. Lot of guys at my level, 3.5, are guilty of this. What I am
finding is everyone has strong enough of a net game to really discourage
guys from coming to net. I can see how this can be a good strategy.
my problem is i cant be consistent it either goes in the net or out help?
I have problems in that area since I mostly stay at the baseline. I find I
can’t hit the ball correctly especially if it’s a weak shot. It goes out. I
would love to be able to fix this and punish weak returns and weak serves.
Thanks.
my problem is I often hit too close to the lines and it goes out…happens
alot, right idea,bad execution…
Most of the mistakes that I see in taking the short ball is the decision to
go for too much or even a put away. As a rule, this is a combination shot,
beginning with the approach….so, try to avoid doing too much and
concentrate on placement with depth. On the backhand, a good shoulder turn
will enable a great slice approach and if it is deep, it will be very
difficult for the opponent to handle. Often neglected is the forehand slice
approach, or hit the forehand approach with the windshield wiper action
that can impart side spin. Going deep cross court or up the line with slice
or side spin from either side need not be hit too hard to be effective.
Finally, just because a short ball may be a “sitter” these are difficult to
control when trying to generate pace and placement. A lot of players think
because it is an easy shot to crush. It is a difficult shot to handle
properly. Do not let a “sitter” make you a “sucker” by going for too much
on this one.
I have been looking for a solution to this particular probelm for a long
time. I have a decent serve so I get these short returns often. However, I
am master of hitting back these shots into top of the net or about 6-12″
long 80% of the time. Without knowing anything about my swing, any advice
on hitting the ball slightly higher and slightly shorter to put away these
returns? Meanwhile, I will focus on the points you mentioned above and see
if it helps. Thank you.
actually that’s my forte…I love hitting approach shots. I just hit them
all in the same corner. Gotta vary it up. Of course I need to get back on a
tennis court. Lol
I tend to hit the short ball too conservatively as a net approach when I
should put a bit more meat behind it.
Biggest challenge for me is to stay cool and not tighten up, when in this
situation.
My clumsy footwork
I suppose you’d hit that shot for slow serves?
I tend to be in a rush to get up to the net, so I pull up while I’m still
in the motion of the stroke. I think that is the reason quite a few of my
approaches go long, esp. on the forehand.
Why can I hit a coming ball, who dropped to knee hight, as hard and precise
as I want, but a high ball at shoulder hight will at a even not “that” hard
stroke go into the net or out… When I try to hit high and early (T-line),
I lose a set 2:6 against an opponent I beat 6:2 when I let the ball drop
and hit at the baseline on knee hight. Any technique tips?
Do you think more topspin and depth for this type of shot?
My biggest challenge is hitting cross court approach shot. (Often ends up
in the net.)
Nice one. Thanks for posting.