How to improve overheads

[Anonymous]

Any drills or tips on improving overheads, besides the usual hit a lot during practice.

[joe sch]

You need to be able to backpedal, jump, rotate/twist your torso as you are tracking the overhead ball. This is not an easy combination especially when your backpedaling towards one of the baseline corners. Practice doing these maneuvers without having to actually hit an overhead. Until you can smoothly master these skills, you are not going to be destroying overheads like most pros I find that to really complete the torso rotation, it helps to almost scissors kick your feet.

[jun]

practice practice and practice...

I practiced against the wall and it helped a lot. You are forced to snap on the ball so that the ball will bounce back up. And you are forced to move your feet.

It's also good to improve your core strength and leg strength. backpedalling isn't all that easy. So if your core and leg are strong it will help you to maintain balance.

[kevhen]

I try to get behind the ball and then step into it. Also I usually point at the ball with my off-hand to maintain good balance. Also start slow and don't try to hit them too hard until you are in the groove. Practice is the key to a good overhead though. My first overhead in warmups almost always goes off the frame!