What to do on high balls?

[aptennis91]

Hi, I have problems returning high topspin shots..
I tend to do a slice/spin overhead to get it back, but any tips on how to punish those balls on both the forehand and backhand side?
Thanks in advance.

[nadal&roddickfan]

try hitting it off the bounce, or do a flat shot straight across. If i cant get into position for that, I just lob it back

[10s talk]

hit the ball on the rise

or move back

[WBF]

Really depends on what tools you have, your opponents strengths/weaknesses, and where your opponent is (and where they are moving) on the court.

Forehand: I typically go for very hard shots with huge topspin. If the opponent is near the net, I will go for either a topspin lob, or a heavy, dipping topspin shot at their feet. Another choice is the forehand slice, which should offer better placement, perhaps enough to hit a winner or to force a weak shot from your opponent.

Backhand: Topspin or slice lob if they are at net (can't hit a dipping backhand nearly as well as on the forehand side), or perhaps a risky heavy topspin heavy pace shot. If they aren't at the net, I usually slice or hit a typical backhand (reasonable topspin/pace). I try to minimize these shots with footwork, as they are one of my weak points. Far better at stepping in and taking a ball even right after the bounce rather than up high, and stepping back even works for me, although this is a terrible choice against good players (puts you out of position, usually off balance, usually doesn't produce the strongest shot, etc).


So really, you should either hit with topspin or slice. Flat should be out of the question.

[Bend008x]

I'm having the same problem, if the ball doesn't land around my waist area, I would usually slice it back, in which case I'd get kill for hitting it so soft, or I'd just hit it off the court.

I don't have the greatest footwork, and have trouble hitting the ball with top spin if it's not in the ideal spot for me.

Any idea on what kind of exercise I should do to work on the top spin return?

[2nd_Serve]

You could do what your doing now. Or, take it off the rise. Of course you could wait until it drops but your opponenet will probably be at the net already, or be so well prepared that he may punish you for waiting that long.