Hitting at the net person

[Bungalo Bill]

I play a lot of doubles. I'm 3.0.

I had an incident about 6 months ago that has given me post-traumatic stress syndrome, I think. See, I was playing a social match with former teammates. A 2.5 lady was across the net in the service box. The ball came to me, and I hit a high volley exactly as I had been trained. I stepped into it and gave it a powerful punch, but I tend to have no directional control on my volleys. I hit my friend square in the face with the ball.

After she sat on the bench for a while rubbing her eye, we all took the court again. Another high volley came to me, and I punched it again. This time it whizzed by her ear. I was so spooked that I stopped volleying anywhere near her, which left me volleying to the deep person because I'm so bad at angling volleys off the court.

Ever since, I've had a lot of trouble understanding what I'm supposed to do with those high volleys. I can try for the net person's shoes or the open court behind them, but I can't guarantee I won't launch another one of those scud missiles. I'm usually focusing more on technique than placement when I volley.

So. Should I avoid hitting at the net person (even if that's the best way to win the point)? Is it ever OK to hit at the net person? Whose fault was it when my friend got hit? How does all of this square with "short-to-short," anyway?

Cindy

Cindy,

The bottom-line to all of this is you ned to practice your technique and your placement. It is obvious that you were not intentionally going after the person but at the same time, if you misdirected some balls on your volleys, you shouldn't go and scrap your tactics.

There really is no fault, it is part of tennis. If you're at the net, expect to be buzzed, hit, or passed. The same goes for all players at the net.

You did what you were suppose to do. Keep practicing hitting down at the feet and to improve your consistency and placement.

It could also be you are simply trying to hit your volleys too hard. Thinking to putaway every single ball you get even if it is out of your strike zone. This is something you need to work on and to learn that the volley is mainly done by the motion of your body with the emphasis from your racquet.

 

[Kaptain Karl]

I'm not sure we're all still posting about the same tactic. The OP's situation was she was playing net ... and she hit the net player from the other team with a volley. I contend that -- at any level of Dubs -- this is often (Not "always" ... not "rarely") a good tactical play.

<rambling> When I was in HS, and probably about a 3.5, my Dubs partner and I had a contest every match. Whoever hit the most opponents with *any* shot ... got treated to the cokes afterward. Most of the time, our effective "point shot" for this contest was the Return of Serve. We'd *blast* the Net Man.

+ + + + + + +

In my twenties and thirties I competed in karate. After getting kicked, swept, choked, punched and thrown for years -- and learning how little it really hurt -- I have nearly zero fear of what a tennis ball can do to me. This is *part* of my strength at net. I am perceived to be fearless ... nearly impossible to hit through ... and a very good net player. When you add "He just laughs it off when we do manage to hit him," it gives me a distinct psychological edge. </rambling>

+ + + + + + +

I am still playing competitive Dubs (5.0) today. Even today I contend that -- at any level of Dubs -- it is often a good tactical play to volley at the knees / feet of the opponents. (Going for the body with a volley is often ... folly. At the speed of the game we play, a body-ball is too often an OUT ball.)

When you've got all four at the net, *ping-* *zap-* *zoom-ing* vollies at each other, it's the most fun you can have on a tennis court. Of course someone will occassionally get pegged. "That's tennis!"

Does this clarify my position any better?

- KK

 

[Bagumbawalla]

The original question dealt with someone ACCIDENTLY hitting another player in during a friendly match due to a lack of skill.

The general consensus is that he should practice so he can hit more acurately where he aims.

Match play is another question, completely.

Some people, here, (as has happened on similar threads) have twisted the topic to boast about their own aggressiveness, justify purpously hitting at opponents, and, in general, glorify what is, basically, sociopathic/egocentric behavior.

Again, we are talking about a FRIENDLY game among BEGINNING PLAYERS.

We have already agreed (I think) that it is easy to win points when you hit right at a lower level player who has limited skills and defenses-- but really, there is no fun in that unless you have latent Sadistic tendencies.

Even two teams of low level players purpously hitting at each other (as equals) is a ridiculous concept. It is just barely tennis and shows a general lack of skill.

Basically, (even in tournament play) if a player is properly trained and skilled, he has enough options that it is SELDOM the best (in every sense of the word) choice to purpously hit a player.

 

[Cindysphinx]

It makes sense to me that the best play will often be wherever your opponents are not standing. An empty court never returns the ball.

But what does the "short-to-short" rule mean, then? That's what we little 3.0s are taught: if you're at the net hitting an offensive shot, you hit to the short person.

Is "short-to-short" dead? Do more advanced players disregard that guideline?

 

[tennis-n-sc]

It makes sense to me that the best play will often be wherever your opponents are not standing. An empty court never returns the ball.

But what does the "short-to-short" rule mean, then? That's what we little 3.0s are taught: if you're at the net hitting an offensive shot, you hit to the short person.

Is "short-to-short" dead? Do more advanced players disregard that guideline?

Doubles is and has always been a game of angles. Angles are not always winners but can be used to set up winners. This is true of volleys. I'm ashamed to say how much money I have spent on lessons and clinics from pros and I have never had any pro teach to intentionally hit the net person to win a point. And the "short to short" rule I've missed. The net guys I play against want me to hit to them. I believe all this will change for you as your skills progress. And playing in a social setting is far different than tournament play league play.

 

[Kaptain Karl]

The original question dealt with someone ACCIDENTLY hitting another player in during a friendly match due to a lack of skill.

You over-simplify to make your own biased position seem stronger. The OP was following the "short to short" principle of Dubs tactics

She doesn't completely "lack skill" (demonstrated by the fact that the person she struck was indeed the Net Player). She did "accidentally" strike the Net Player in the eye.

Some people, here, (as has happened on similar threads) have twisted the topic to boast about their own aggressiveness, justify purpously hitting at opponents, and, in general, glorify what is, basically, sociopathic/egocentric behavior. <snip> ... latent Sadistic tendencies.

And *you* are qualified to psycho-analyze people by a few posts on a tennis forum ... by what authority? By what license?

Even two teams of low level players purpously hitting at each other (as equals) is a ridiculous concept. It is just barely tennis and shows a general lack of skill.

No. But this post shows your "general lack of understanding of the game."

Basically, (even in tournament play) if a player is properly trained and skilled, he has enough options that it is SELDOM the best (in every sense of the word) choice to purpously hit a player.

If you disagree, just post so. No need for the Passive-Agressive tone.

I disagree with you. I also object to your pretense at superiority.

It makes sense to me that the best play will often be wherever your opponents are not standing. An empty court never returns the ball.

Yes.

But what does the "short-to-short" rule mean, then? That's what we little 3.0s are taught: if you're at the net hitting an offensive shot, you hit to the short person.

Short-to-short is still one of the best tactics. Many of the best Instructors and Coaches still adhere to this time-honored principle. (Especially at the 3.0 - 4.0 levels a sharp volley hit at the legs of the Net Player is a high-percentage shot. The reasons have already been discussed.)

Is "short-to-short" dead? Do more advanced players disregard that guideline?

No. It isn't close to "dead". Unfortunately TV doesn't broadcast that much Dubs during the Pro tourneys, but even at their level the very best doubles players in the world still adhere to the tactic. See any matches on DVD of the Woodies. Watch the Bryans, any match Paes or Myrni (sp?) is in. Even the Pros often peg the opponent following the very good tactic of short-to-short.

To help you improve your volley, when you are warming-up for a match, tell us what you are thinking and intending with your volleys, please.

- KK

 

[Cindysphinx]

To help you improve your volley, when you are warming-up for a match, tell us what you are thinking and intending with your volleys, please.

- KK

What am I thinking when I volley? It goes something like this:

"OH GOD. OH. MY. GOD! THE BALL IS COMING TO ME AT THE NET. HERE'S MY BIG CHANCE TO WIN THE POINT. MAYBE I SHOULD JUST LET IT GO AND LET MY PARTNER GET IT. I MISSED THE LAST THREE VOLLEYS WIDE. I CANNOT MISS THIS ONE TOO. OK, STEP INTO IT AND PUNCH. DON'T SWING. DON'T SWING, DON'T SWING!!!! Thank goodness that's over."

Yeah, it's not pretty. All I think about when a volley is coming is move forward and punch it. I'm rarely thinking placement. When I think placement, I swing.

 

[Kaptain Karl]

My question was addressing the warm-up, but that was funny, Cindysphinx. Very good!

I already know a little more, from your other thread, so I'll address the match warm-up here. Most people warm up with ground strokes, then volleys, overheads and serves. If you do this too, a good goal during the volleys is is to hit solidly for the baseline. After hitting 4 BHs and then 4 FHs in-a-row deep, then pop one each at a sharp angle.

You're finished warming-up your volleys. Move on to overheads.

That's what I was looking for...

- KK

 

[slewisoh]

What am I thinking when I volley? It goes something like this:

"OH GOD. OH. MY. GOD! THE BALL IS COMING TO ME AT THE NET. HERE'S MY BIG CHANCE TO WIN THE POINT. MAYBE I SHOULD JUST LET IT GO AND LET MY PARTNER GET IT. I MISSED THE LAST THREE VOLLEYS WIDE. I CANNOT MISS THIS ONE TOO. OK, STEP INTO IT AND PUNCH. DON'T SWING. DON'T SWING, DON'T SWING!!!! Thank goodness that's over."

Yeah, it's not pretty. All I think about when a volley is coming is move forward and punch it. I'm rarely thinking placement. When I think placement, I swing.

I can relate, which I hope makes you feel better!

About a year ago I was in a similar position to you. My partners and I were having success setting up our points but then it seemed like I was always blowing the shot at the net.

What I finally realized was I had absolutely no plan at the net. Not having a plan left me feeling panicked and caused me to hit wild shots - wide, wider, widest...So I worked almost exclusively on targeting and decision making. Pretty much ignored technique, parked my aggression at the door and learned to hit two shots:

1) Medium pace volley through the middle. This is the finishing shot for me 90% of the time. It splits the two players and is hit firmly with underspin, landing 2-3 feet from the baseline. The best part is I know EXACTLY where I'm going with the ball when I get a nice sitter. No more panic.

2) Soft, low volley. This has been the hardest shot to learn because first I had to realize that the proper response to a low volley at your feet is a soft, low volley back to your opponent's feet. I was always trying to do too much with low volleys and typically would pop up a nice sitter for my opponents. I know how to keep the point going now so that we can get another opportunity to go from defense to offense.

At 3.0/3.5 levels I've seen the "short to short" phrase used to remind poachers NOT to direct their shot back to the server. This play usually ends with the opposing team directing a nice lob over the poacher and puts the poacher's team on defense. Even when poaching I'm thinking more about sending the shot through the middle, just more in the direction of the net player.

 

[Silentgunz]

u shouldn't worry about it hitting people, i think its best part of tennis haha... it gets me pumped... i hit someone right in there back, it was a perfect aim and it made me so pumped i played so good after that... it gets my blood flowing haha and my mood is good... i like to come in the net and slam it and then i jog back smiling.... or i yell "WHAT!" with my arms spread out its great so fun

 

[Supernatural_Serve]

i like to come in the net and slam it and then i jog back smiling.... or i yell "WHAT!" with my arms spread out its great so fun

I apologize anytime I hit anyone with a ball intentionally or not, although I never intentionally try to hit anyone above the waist except when someone like you starts his "gladiator" routine.

All I can say, is if you play doubles against me and start that nonsense and your partner isn't a great server, you are going to get wacked with several very heavy returns and I'll do my own gladiator routine that includes apologizing, holding my racquet in the air, asking if you are ok, saying I am sorry and in the meantime a little devil inside me is giggling his a*s off.

 

[Silentgunz]

haha my parner isnt a great server lol they slam it at me on his second serve ... i was kiding about the what lol i dont do that in a real game ... i usually do it when were just playing for fun with friends...

 

[varuscelli]

u shouldn't worry about it hitting people, i think its best part of tennis haha... it gets me pumped... i hit someone right in there back, it was a perfect aim and it made me so pumped i played so good after that... it gets my blood flowing haha and my mood is good... i like to come in the net and slam it and then i jog back smiling.... or i yell "WHAT!" with my arms spread out its great so fun

Anyone ever come around the net and beat the crap out of you? Nothing outrageous, I mean -- but a simple, brief, and thorough beating?

Not that I condone violence, but in this case I could make an exception (or look the other way while my female partner took care of it).

Joking! As long as you are, that is...

 

[MariaS]

I've been hit right in the face at the net by a very strong singles player. It hurt bad.....:neutral:

 

[Moves]

I apologize anytime I hit anyone with a ball intentionally or not, although I never intentionally try to hit anyone above the waist except when someone like you starts his "gladiator" routine.

I usually lift my arms up and yell "ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!?!?".

- Moves

 

[varuscelli]

I usually lift my arms up and yell "ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!?!?".

- Moves

Then you throw your tennis racquet into the stands, hoping to hit a high-ranking official, right?

Or do you do the racquet toss before yelling?

We love your movies, man -- especially that one.

 

[Moves]

Nah, I wish there were fans and other officials watching my matches...

So usually I'm just staring out to an imaginary arena crowd and dramatically pausing and spitting after I pan back and forth. I also do a lot of blue screen work so it comes naturally.

That's why it's called acting.

- Moves

 

[Fatmike]

Cindy,

If you peg them in the head and it bounces back over the net, then the ball is still in play. At least, that's my understanding of it.
HTH

So I can play tennis with my head like soccer or my chest like aki and it will be good?

I don't think so.....

 

[Fatmike]

I've been hit right in the face at the net by a very strong singles player. It hurt bad.....:neutral:

been hitted on the side of the nose by my partner while I was looking at what he was doing.

I stopped looking at my partner and always look in front now.

I'd rather receive a ball on the back of the head then on the nose.

 

[Kaptain Karl]

I've been hit right in the face at the net by a very strong singles player. It hurt bad.....

We rotate partners in our Saturday Dubs. One rotation a few weeks ago, I forgot I then had a Lefty Partner and started to backpedal for a high Return (Deuce side). Just as I was calling "Mine!" I saw this *blur* ... and turned my head away in time to take my partner's overhead from only five feet away square on my ear.

That, too, hurt ... and my hearing had a *ringing noise* for hours afterward. (Make sure you remember if your partner is Lefty or Righty.)

- KK

 

[Golden Ace]

Net Games

Players at the net should expect a certain amount of risk.

If I am playing doubles and my opponent gets a short overhead or high volley that is right in my face, my answer is to clear the court or submit by turning away. This has two effects. One is that I am now safe and ready to play another point and the other is that I can legitimately expect my opponent to give way when I get a similar opportunity. I won't aim for the face, but if someone remains in my target area for winning the point I won't hold back to finish point on worrying about hitting them. They choose to stay. I will tell them so.

It is important to develop the control that will generally allow you to decide where to hit the ball rather than just hitting out and being surprised when someone gets hit in the face.

Here are some rules to follow.

Often these events occur when poaching or a fast exchange produces a quick easy set-up that doesn't allow your opponent to clear the target area.

1. Aim for the body of your opponent as a tactic to force errors. This means left hip or center mass not the face. Left hip targeting means from your perspective. This forces jammed forehands.

2. Aim for the shoelaces to force errors and easy set-up returns.

3. Only play mixed doubles with skilled players who know the risks and can abide by their own bad decision to stay in a target zone. Or, be very kind and considerate to the novices and weaker players.

4. Play to win the point, not to retaliate for bad behavior from an opponent.

5. Doubles is a game of angles and to hit someone in the face when they are situated between the service line and net with a high volley indicates singles strategy on a doubles court.

6. Given the choice, it is wise to be agressive at the net in doubles. If I have an opponent that complains about body targeting, I always recommend that they move back a bit or accept the consequences as I will do.

7. Submit when you are set up. Do this by stepping into the doubles alley when possible so that if you are targeted, your opponents risk hitting the ball out.

Good Luck,

 

[AngeloDS]

To become a better player; cheap tactics won't work once you start moving up. If you want to win at any cost, might as well beat up the player you're going to play before the match. Might at well throw your racquet also at them and say it slipped out of your hand.

Precision volleys, you should be aiming for open spots or for the center. If you aim at the person; it's easy to handle -- especially at higher levels. In short to short, volleys should be carved and towards the middle.

The middle of course is where the majority of points are won.