Running overhead, should I jump?

[Golden Retriever]

I thought my overhead was bad but actually it is my running overhead that is bad. If I can set up for my overhead it turns out ok but if I have to run forward to hit the overhead it usually goes long. The main reason is being that when I get to the ball usually it has gotten too low for me to set up so I have to hit it on the run and that creates all the errors. If I hit down it goes in the net, if I just push it over the net my opponent would thank me for that and if I hit it deep it usually goes long since it is difficult to control the depth while I am on the run. For such occasion wouldn't it be better if I jump so I can just slam on the overhead? If I jump I will have a better angle to hit down, right? Any better ideas?

[Bungalo Bill]

When you got momentum going forward and the ball is coming down from above, you have to be very careful not to drop your head down too soon as you make your swing. With forward momentum and a dropping head, you could be hitting the ball with your wrist laid back which will send the ball long.

Keep your head up and try to feel the over head more in the snap of your wrist.

[Golden Retriever]

Once again you are exactly right. Being on the run and the ball already dropping too low I probably hit it before I could snap my wrist, hence with my wrist laid back. So, would you recommend jumping and hitting down (slamming the ball at eye level)? I mean that way I can be sure my wrist is not laid back(can't slam the ball without snapping the wrist can you?).

[Bungalo Bill]

Originally Posted by Golden Retriever

Once again you are exactly right. Being on the run and the ball already dropping too low I probably hit it before I could snap my wrist, hence with my wrist laid back. So, would you recommend jumping and hitting down (slamming the ball at eye level)? I mean that way I can be sure my wrist is not laid back(can't slam the ball without snapping the wrist can you?).

Practice your timing and keep your head up long enough to see the blur of your arm go by. You have to discipline yourself to keep the head up. then snap your wrist and hit a medium paced overhead. when you hit ten in a row, pick up the pace. The overhead should be hit with more of a wrist feel. so the snapping is more pronounced. Just dont take your eye off the ball too soon.

Now I am saying this because you said it is an "overhead" shot. Meaning you are getting under the ball to hit an overhead. If you are you are not getting to the ball in time, then that is a different story all together and may dictate a different stroke for the ball such as a swinging volley, letting it bounce and hit more of a groundstroke etc.