How do you contain the power so easily?

[MikeHitsHard93]

So many power racket users...why can't I contain the power of a pure drive or aeropro? It truly bugs me. I'm wondering if it is timing, form, or if I just plain hit the way it WASN'T meant to be hit?

Can someone maybe explain to me why this is? Maybe I will post a video of me hitting in the near future.

[LeeD]

Add spin.
Topspin is one.
Underspin is another.
Sidespin a third, which can be combined with the two above, separately, of course.

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Originally Posted by LeeD

Add spin.
Topspin is one.
Underspin is another.
Sidespin a third, which can be combined with the two above, separately, of course.

That sounds like a technique based advice, wouldn't it be largely ignored?

[MikeHitsHard93]

It seems like I add some spin. My slice is great. I know that much. But my topspin is probably average. Maybe I hit too flat? It seems like I hit with too much spin sometimes though. You know, when the ball just dives into the net?

[MikeHitsHard93]

Originally Posted by Say Chi Sin Lo

That sounds like a technique based advice, wouldn't it be largely ignored?

I'm definitely not gonna ignore ANYTHING. There's too much of a wealth of knowledge here. Lol

[LeeD]

Look at the pros, even DelPo. They all hit hard, the spin allows the ball to stay in.
if you hit the net, aim higher.

[MikeHitsHard93]

And then when I aim higher, it seems to always sail lol. There's like a really small window.

[Frankauc]

just play more, it will eventually go in, it's not the racket, we all went through this phase

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Originally Posted by MikeHitsHard93

I'm definitely not gonna ignore ANYTHING. There's too much of a wealth of knowledge here. Lol

I'm glad you're one to learn, and good for you! Certainly a rare breed when everyone looks for quick fixes by means of equipment "upgrade".

Firstly, what grip are you using? Certain grips make it harder to impart spin, but not impossible. Western-ish grips have an easier time to impart spin because of the contact point and swing path. Eastern-ish grips have a harder time to impart spin, but not impossible.

Secondly, spin can come down to faith you have in yourself. You really have swing faster, if you're hesitant on the stroke, chances are it'll fly out. So don't be afraid, and swing out. You have to believe the brush and the subsequent spin will keep the ball in the court.

[MikeHitsHard93]

Originally Posted by Frankauc

just play more, it will eventually go in, it's not the racket, we all went through this phase

Yeah I don't want to blame the racket or strings. Maybe I'm just scapegoating when I do...except for when the string is dead of course. I SHOULD be able to use anything at this stage in my game. Except maybe anything under 95 sq in

[MikeHitsHard93]

Originally Posted by Say Chi Sin Lo

I'm glad you're one to learn, and good for you! Certainly a rare breed when everyone looks for quick fixes by means of equipment "upgrade".

Firstly, what grip are you using? Certain grips make it harder to impart spin, but not impossible. Western-ish grips have an easier time to impart spin because of the contact point and swing path. Eastern-ish grips have a harder time to impart spin, but not impossible.

Secondly, spin can come down to faith you have in yourself. You really have swing faster, if you're hesitant on the stroke, chances are it'll fly out. So don't be afraid, and swing out. You have to believe the brush and the subsequent spin will keep the ball in the court.

I have a SW forehand grip. I play with a lot of people under the 3.5 level so usually I am the one hitting all the powerful shots. That being said, I do force errors because of that.

When I hit my FH, I try to use the same swing on every shot. I want it to be a modern windshield wiper shot, but I feel that it's a mix of classic full round swing as well. It feels awkward but idk how to change it. I'm also not in a good place to take lessons. Too expensive. I am all self-taught since HS and play recreationally

[MikeHitsHard93]

And I'm not gonna lie, I thought for a long time and sometimes still think that my equipment is holding me back. But I want to be enlightened lol

[lynnbart]

We play with 2 PD's and a PDR. Strings can tame it some but good technique is the key... My son has spent a little time at an academy and it was full of PD's and APD's with the kids blasting away.

Trust the swing and play...!

[sundaypunch]

I have the same problem as you. Unfortunately, as others have said, it's not the fault of the racquet. You just need to develop more consistency. This will come with hitting thousands and thousands of balls. A powerful racquet will magnify your inconsistency. Topspin will give you more margin for error but it isn't going to solve all of your problems.

If you think about it, there are a huge number of things that you have to control to hit a shot where you want it - swing speed, swing path, racquet face angle, contact point, etc. You will gain more control of these as you play more.

[2ManyAces]

you could just close the racquet face a bit more, thus causing you to swing up more, thus causing you to hit topspin, thus causing you to harness power.

[Chotobaka]

Originally Posted by MikeHitsHard93

It seems like I add some spin. My slice is great. I know that much. But my topspin is probably average. Maybe I hit too flat? It seems like I hit with too much spin sometimes though. You know, when the ball just dives into the net?

Not enough racquet head speed. Assuming the rest of your swing path is OK and a SW or FW results in netting the ball, either get faster or adjust your grip.

[MikeHitsHard93]

I just am so constricted right now to play. I don't have the money to pay for a club membership and I live in Michigan, which only has about 4 months of good hitting time. I can see myself moving in the future.

The sad thing is that everyone around here knows that I am about the most avid tennis player in the area. I am at the courts more often than anyone else. And I am still not that good lol.

I have been thinking lately that I need something that I can build on as I get better. Power level, idk. Head size, idk. Weight, idk! I am so lost and I don't know what I like. All I know is I like my string bed to be as predictable as possible. Then I know for sure that it was my fault, even though it is always my fault.

God I love this game. I wish it was a tad but easier for me though lol. I want to play college tennis sooooo bad.

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Originally Posted by MikeHitsHard93

I have a SW forehand grip. I play with a lot of people under the 3.5 level so usually I am the one hitting all the powerful shots. That being said, I do force errors because of that.

When I hit my FH, I try to use the same swing on every shot. I want it to be a modern windshield wiper shot, but I feel that it's a mix of classic full round swing as well. It feels awkward but idk how to change it. I'm also not in a good place to take lessons. Too expensive. I am all self-taught since HS and play recreationally

SW grip should have easy access to both topspin and flatness. Also, seeking consistency in the form of have the same swing on every shot can be a double edged sword. Yes, it's good that you want to have the same swing. But at the same time, you really can't and have to change your contact point, swing path, and etc. based on what the opponent gives you, where you are on the court, and what you intend to do with your shot.

When you're in a better place financially, I strongly advise you to take lessons.

Originally Posted by MikeHitsHard93

And I'm not gonna lie, I thought for a long time and sometimes still think that my equipment is holding me back. But I want to be enlightened lol

Equipment CAN hold you back in the notion that, modern day racquet with their size, power, and easy access to spin can hold you back by making the game "too easy". My advice is, pick the most difficult racquet for yourself, practice with it, and force yourself to focus on good technique, timing, and in the case of using a heavy racquet, fitness to some degree.

[lynnbart]

Are there any "hitting groups" around you ? My son has taken some lessons and will still take one for adjustments but has since been invited to a hitting group, He has progressed so fast since joining and is able to learn from a pro about how to play the game. Cost is much less and he gets to play with others as good or better.

I'd sure ask around...

[MikeHitsHard93]

Originally Posted by lynnbart

Are there any "hitting groups" around you ? My son has taken some lessons and will still take one for adjustments but has since been invited to a hitting group, He has progressed so fast since joining and is able to learn from a pro about how to play the game. Cost is much less and he gets to play with others as good or better.

I'd sure ask around...

That sounds awesome!

I think there's actually a class I can take at my community college now that I think about it...it's $400 a semester. Might be worth it