sharapova overhead smash

[taurussable]

did she ever hit an overhead smash in match play? trying to find such on youtube and no luck.

 

[Lukhas]

Haven't seen her do so. He mostly play high forehands. It's probably related to her shoulder injury and her height; although she still serves so figures. I remember seeing on the HEAD channel that the high swing volley FH is one of her favourite shots and she does practice it.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

You didn't look hard enough. 1st link is matchplay; 2nd link is probably practice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2Qea_uBBAU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vanu0uM9QgM

 

[taurussable]

You didn't look hard enough. 1st link is matchplay; 2nd link is probably practice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2Qea_uBBAU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vanu0uM9QgM

the first one is 2007, i saw this one. looks like she seldom hits overheads afterwards.

my question was actually can overhead be completely replaced by swing volley.

 

[goran_ace]

my question was actually can overhead be completely replaced by swing volley.

Completely? No. The swinging volley from mid court is now a very common shot, but if you are all the way forward at the net it's going to be more difficult for you to take lobs with a swinging volley.

 

[Moveforwardalways]

Not sure what the point of this thread is, but can I just say to all the rec players out there, particularly 3.5's, practice your overheads. It's by far the ugliest shot in rec tennis.

 

[rkelley]

Not sure what the point of this thread is, but can I just say to all the rec players out there, particularly 3.5's, practice your overheads. It's by far the ugliest shot in rec tennis.

It's a great shot to own, especially at that level. When your opponents know that they can't just lob you to death because if the lob is short they'll get an overhead, they will then try to hit passing shots, which they're probably not very good at. Passing shots create errors, which are free points for you.

 

[Lukhas]

my question was actually can overhead be completely replaced by swing volley.

No. Unless like Sharapova you've sustained a shoulder injury, got surgery for it and have a significant size advantage over 99% your peers and have no business being at net ever. Basically, if you're Isner tall and inept at net. If you want to go at net and finish a point, even if it's rare, you need a good overhead. Even Ivanisevic was still smashing with his shoulder injury and height advantage en route to win Wimbledon. Even Haas who had a shoulder injury still smashes. Even Roddick late in his career with shoulder overuse still smashed. EDIT: The point being is that if you have the slightest hope to go at net ever in a match, you need to be able to smash.

It's by far the ugliest shot in rec tennis.

Tied with the TS OHBH in my book. :lol: