Jumping 2hbh?

[thefan]

Why do people sometimes jump when they are doing the 2hbh? Looks cool but what is the point?

[Bagumbawalla]

Mainly people jump because they like the feel of leaping trout-like into the air. There have been NUMEROUS post on this topic.

Simple laws od physics show us that having a stable platform to create thrust is the way to go. Hitting while jumping is a bit like trying to throw a ball while standing in a canoe- force, equal and opposite reactions and all that.

Now, having said that, there may be times when you can jump without people thinlin you are sacrificing good play for showmanship.

An overhead, just out of reach-- jump up and pound it back.

Because you desire the feel of leaping, itself, to pump you up and send a message to the opponent that you have energy to spare.

The last shot of the match- you combine a put-away shot with a victory leap.

Well, that's all I can think of.

As far as the 2hbh, when the ball is high, using one hand, stepping back, or even stepping into the shot would be technically better than leaping and losing your footing.

[thefan]

So its a disadvantage and does not provide an increase in power? I often see monfil and safin do it during a baseline rally.

[thefan]

Great slow motion vid of safin's jumping 2hbh courtesy of hi-techtennis


http://www.hi-techtennis.com/video_sample/index.php?movie=safin_twohander_jump.swf&size=wide

[Mad iX]

Safin hits it so hard anyway it probably doesn't make a difference for him.
Certainly does look good. If I was on the other side of the net it would scare me, so maybe that's why he does it.

[dave333]

SO FUN!!! Real intimidation thing and might distract opponent into thinking "damn thats cool" or "oh ****, this is coming fast" or something else.

Doesn't increase force that much though.

[rum02]

it has little practical use imo. the only time i use it in a match situation would be when the ball is very high (well above shoulder) and i'm struggling to get it (i don't have time to move back and take it a little lower).

[Doc Hollidae]

The only time I use it is on deep moonballs or high bouncing shots. I can't explain the exact reasoning behind it, but it feels like it gives me leverage and allows me to hit through the ball a little more rather than try to hit it at shoulder height and playing it completely defensive. With the high ball I have to swing up and through usually resulting in a defensive shot or a short shot. With a jumping backhand I can drive it back deep and still have control.

[pro_staff]

When the ball is too high, it's hard to hit an effective and powerful 2hander. You jump to raise the strike zone. At least that's the reason why I do it. I don't think I get more power out of it or anything.

[fgs]

pro staff is already half way right - the point being to raise the striking zone. you usually see this on putaways, when pros like safin or baghdatis go for winners from halfcourt. raising the striking zone AND jumping into the ball, enable you to hit it sort of down, just like a smash. it might not render a more powerful stroke in terms of speed, but due to the better angle you get, you can hit it in with less spin and hence faster as if the striking zone would be lower and you have to spin it to keep it in.

[The Gorilla]

it's like jumping into a serve, you get a massive increase in lineaer momentum.

[soyizgood]

I only jump when I know I'm facing a ball and I want or need to hit it on the rise. When I do that, the ball will sail in a rather flat manner. I don't hit on the rise for power, but rather to get it back deep on the opponent's side. If I get any spin, it's a plus. But when jumping, there's really no need to spin it.