looking for tips on moving to position for an overhead

[bruce]

If I am in the right position, I can hit a good overhead. My problem is that I am not accurately tracking the ball and more often than not end up in the wrong position.

I am looking for some hints on how to track. I know the bit about pointing at the ball. I am looking for something a bit more insightful than that, because just pointing isn't the answer. Maybe someone from a baseball background can tell me how they were coached to catch flyballs, since I think there are similar principles involved.

Or maybe, it's just practise. Well, I *know* I need that, but would like some hints on how to judge the trajectory better.

Thanks,
Bruce

Catch the ball with the left hand. Don't point, try to catch the ball. Practice just catching the ball with your left hand for a while. This will set you up for the shot. As the ball gets closer, just exchange one hand for the other. The overhead is not a power shot, if you have enough leverage with the proper position you can usually do sufficient damage.

[lendl lives]

great question. one tip i got is to point/move your left shoulder toward the ball. this helped. often i feel out of position and would like some tips on foot work. i get confused at times as to wether or not i've reached the ball and can swing at it or if I should let it bounce. one big thing that helps me is i used to get over excited and this caused me to rush. now i'm doing the opposite and making a concious effort to be really calm.

[kevhen]

Wind can make a big difference too. If there is a tailwind behind the ball, you need to back up a couple more steps than usual. Make sure you are aware of any wind if you are hitting overheads. Otherwise you just have to get out and practice hitting them. I was an outfielder in baseball so maybe that experience does help in tracking the trajectory.

[lendl lives]

the other thing thats hard to deal with is a really high lob thats coming straight down.