Technique Difficulty in need of help

[buckeye0520]

Hello All,

I just began playing a few months ago and now go out nearly daily with a friend who played H.S. and College tennis, but took a long break. When the pace on his shots are fast, I seem to hit it back quite well and in play. Unfortunately, when things slow down (which is quite often with me playing) and I have a long time, I aways seem to overhit. Due to this, I find myself just tapping it back so I don't go long. This leads to numerous winners flying back past me and quite a few 6-0 drubbings.

Is this normal? Is there anything that can help me to figure out this problem?

Thank you much in advance!!!

[Jonny S&V]

I used to have the same problems. There a number of things you can do, and the one I could suggest would be to kick up the tension on your racquet if the strings are loose, then start hitting with more topspin. Also make sure your technique is right.

[ubel]

Also make sure your technique is right.
Not exactly sure here, but I kind of think that's what he is asking for.

buckeye: This happens a lot to me too. I'll go out there and hit with friends who are definitely better than me, and what will happen is they generate the pace and a lot of the spin on the ball, and all I have to think about is hitting through it because it already has a good deal of topspin and pace.

But, once they hit a floater (ball with little pace or spin), I have to force myself to focus on hitting the ball with the right technique to create the pace and spin I want or I'll end up overhitting, which is your dilemma. There is a lot of great information on the board, such as from here (http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=442757&postcount=21) (taken directly from the toplink in this forum). That third link should be probably what you're looking for. Try practicing against a wall to develop your technique. The wall forces you to provide your own pace and spin, and also can help develop your both stamina and footwork as well if your work at it with 100% effort. Takes practice, but you'll be able to taken control of rallies without realizing it if you practice at it and fix your strokes :D