His shots are too powerful

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His shots are too powerful

by Thomas

I am not a beginner in tennis, I know how to play, but I'm not amazing.

I play against a certain opponent often, and I cannot get many points in, as he has really powerful shots and when I hit the ball with my racket, I don't have enough force to hit it back. Help!!!

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His shots are too powerful

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May 08, 2009
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powerful opponent
by: Anonymous

If you are fast enough to get in on short balls, i would play back in the court to give your self enough time to set up and hit a good shot. Also, if he is that powerful, you should try and just block the ball back. Sometimes swinging against very powerful people causes miss hits and mistakes. Lastly, breathe between each point to keep yourself calm and ready. Don't let this get in your head. You CAN play against this type of player.

May 09, 2009
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The faster the incoming shot the more technically demanding
by: Julian

Powerful (high speed or so called "heavy" balls) are difficult to handle because they -overall- demand much more of you in the technical sense. The primary reason being that you have less time to "put it all together" and produce an effective response.

In fact, what I can draw from my own experience is that there could be many things (singly or combined) that could hamper the handling of a powerful shot successfully. But this is not to sound discouraging since this is true for any shot, but in the case of a "heavy" one, getting to it with enough time becomes essential. Your stance, (if not hitting on the run) your shoulder turn, your racket back, your watching the ball, your follow though, etc... all must happen within a shortened amount of time !

So to keep it simple (while staying very light on your feet, preferably bouncing lightly on toes) :

1. Focus on his general movement and set up and ultimately watch his racket's head when he makes contact so as to catch the direction of the ball as early as possible.

2. Sprint to the ball (if not hit directly at you or in your vicinity of course). A first bigger step is highly recommended, followed by the necessary smaller ones to perfectly adjust/set up for the shot. Get as comfortable as possible.

3. Keep your eyes attentively on the ball all the way to your racket strings.(This might be the one reason why you're not hitting with enough power because you're hitting off center or framing the shot). If you got there with enough time, "stop" as much as possible when you set up on your chosen stance. Your aim is to be well balanced which will help you handle the shot easier and much better.

Additional Notes that never hurt ;-) : Bend your knees, stay low like sitting on a medium high stool. Shoulder turn, racket back early... take your shot !! You don't have to hit hard, use his pace to your advantage. Just make solid/clean contact using a steady forward thrust. Brush upward on the ball, follow through and finish high across the body.

Hope that helps. Good Luck!

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May 09, 2009
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Submitted by: Julian

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Powerful (high speed or so called "heavy" balls) are difficult to handle because they -overall- demand much more of you in the technical sense. The primary reason being that you have less time to "put it all together" and produce an effective response. In fact, what I can draw from my own experience is that there could be many things (singly or combined) that could hamper the handling of a powerful shot successfully. But this is not to sound discouraging since this is true for any shot, but in the case of a "heavy" one, getting to it with enough time becomes essential. Your stance, (if not hitting on the run) your shoulder turn, your racket back, your watching the ball, your follow though, etc... all must happen within a shortened amount of time ! So to keep it simple (while staying very light on your feet, preferably bouncing lightly on toes) : 1. Focus on his general movement and set up and ultimately watch his racket's head when he makes contact so as to catch the direction of the ball as early as possible. 2. Sprint to the ball (if not hit directly at you or in your vicinity of course). A first bigger step is highly recommended, followed by the necessary smaller ones to perfectly adjust/set up for the shot. Get as comfortable as possible. 3. Keep your eyes attentively on the ball all the way to your racket strings.(This might be the one reason why you're not hitting with enough power because you're hitting off center or framing the shot). If you got there with enough time, "stop" as much as possible when you set up on your chosen stance. Your aim is to be well balanced which will help you handle the shot easier and much better. Additional Notes that never hurt ;-) : Bend your knees, stay low like sitting on a medium high stool. Shoulder turn, racket back early... take your shot !! You don't have to hit hard, use his pace to your advantage. Just make solid/clean contact using a steady forward thrust. Brush upward on the ball, follow through and finish high across the body. Hope that helps. Good Luck!

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Aug 12, 2009
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Try the chopping slice...
by: Freddie

If you don't get enough time to position yourself and swing for groundstrokes then the chop might be the only tool left.

Using a continental grip on both fh and bh, hold the raccquet high up and chop straight down on the ball's flight path. I find this invaluable against the occasional cannonballs or when I was stretched out wide.

Use sparingly though, not all the time lest the user be named "Chopper".

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His shots are too powerful

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His shots are too powerful