footwork

[redtennis55]

we practice running towards the ball all the time, but we never practice stopping before we get there. How do you guys slow if your on almost a dead run and cannot get those little steps? What other ways do you stop?

[kevhen]

The people who I watch with better footwork than myself seem to flow in a curved path so they are moving into the ball when they strike it. They also place the ball well enough that they get an easy ball in return and are rarely hitting on the dead run.

For myself with average footwork, I just try to hit the ball while as balanced as possible even when on the dead run and really focus on hitting the ball dead center. Anticipation and good positioning are key so that you can always use small steps and not have to hit so often when on the run.

[Marius_Hancu]

drop your center of gravity when you need to stop and your quads will absorb energy and brake you to some extent

also, running with a lower center of gravity will help