Directional control

[eaglesburg]

I have found especially recently that I have somewhat of a lack of directional control. Usually, this is more exposed when I am playing grinders and people who don't hit the ball very hard (otherwise usually they hit too hard to be consistent or I am basically able to hit through them).

How can I work on this?
I do a good bit of cc dtl work, but when I do these I think I just align my body at the angle at which I am hitting so it becomes pretty much the same as hitting straight ahead. So I don't think those kinds of drills will work. What other options do I have?

Thanks!

 

[LeeD]

Mostly, don't go for the winner on your first shot, instead, groove to his spin and speed by hitting one side or the other, then on the NEXT ball, go wider.

 

[eaglesburg]

Mostly, don't go for the winner on your first shot, instead, groove to his spin and speed by hitting one side or the other, then on the NEXT ball, go wider.

That's more tactics related. I'm thinking more along the lines of just how to improve my directional control in general.

 

[Lukhas]

Put the ball in the sweetspot. I wish I was kidding, but truly, put the ball in the middle of the stringbed. I think it's Agassi who said that watching the ball is the first thing you're taught and the last thing you'll learn (correct me if I'm wrong). If you think you're consistent, you could even go as far as putting a stencil on your racquet around the sweetspot and go hit. See where and how long it takes for the stencil to disappear.

EDIT: For example, here's a picture where you can see the stencil on Federer's racquet worn out. The sound of a ball well struck in the sweetspot also is unmistakable.
http://www.10sballs.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/h_51255641.jpg

 

[eaglesburg]

I do also have trouble making clean contact many times. Holding my head used to work but it is not nearly as effective as before. Bounce hit works OK, it improves me when I am playing bad, but it doesn't come close to fixing it. Any other suggestions?

 

[Tenniswon]

I have found especially recently that I have somewhat of a lack of directional control. Usually, this is more exposed when I am playing grinders and people who don't hit the ball very hard (otherwise usually they hit too hard to be consistent or I am basically able to hit through them).

How can I work on this?
I do a good bit of cc dtl work, but when I do these I think I just align my body at the angle at which I am hitting so it becomes pretty much the same as hitting straight ahead. So I don't think those kinds of drills will work. What other options do I have?

Thanks!

Hey eaglesburg,

From my understanding, when you say you have a lack of directional control, you have a hard time controlling the ball where you want it to go. For example, if you are in a rally and the opponent hits cross court shot, you might have difficulty changing direction of the ball and hitting down the line.

To solve this, I would focus on two things.
1) how your racquet impacts the ball
2) you stance/hip position

The only thing that determines where the ball goes is how you impact the ball (Pace involves racquet head acceleration) and the spin you put on it. If you want to hit down the line you angle your racquet so when you impact the ball the ball travels down the line. The same goes for cross court. When you add spin into the equation, you can do more with your shot. For instance, you can angle the ball cross court by hitting around the outside edge of the ball. Nadal is the master at this.

The second thing you can focus on is your hip position and stance when you impact the ball. It is easier to hit cross court if your hips are in a more open stance. It is easier to hit down the line with a neutral to closed stance.

A good drill you might not have considered is a cc/dtl drill with a partner where you hit three consecutive balls cross court (6 total hits-3 from each player) and one designated person is in charge of changing directions dthl. You can do this for dtl too where you start out dtl and change directions cross court. This drill will help with directional control as well as endurance.

Your are probably having a harder time with pushers simply because you see more balls. Keep practicing and you will get better!

Feel free to comment or ask if you need anymore help

-David

 

[GuyClinch]

Try a drill where you have to hit shots DTL or cross court - like z drill or whatever the call it. One guy hits DTL - the other guy hits cross court. You are seriously overthinking this. There is nothing you can say in sports that fixes physical issues. How do I throw a spiral? How do I hit a jumpshot? How do I dunk a basketball - you practice those things. <g>

 

[Enga]

Put the ball in the sweetspot. I wish I was kidding, but truly, put the ball in the middle of the stringbed. I think it's Agassi who said that watching the ball is the first thing you're taught and the last thing you'll learn (correct me if I'm wrong). If you think you're consistent, you could even go as far as putting a stencil on your racquet around the sweetspot and go hit. See where and how long it takes for the stencil to disappear.

EDIT: For example, here's a picture where you can see the stencil on Federer's racquet worn out. The sound of a ball well struck in the sweetspot also is unmistakable.
http://www.10sballs.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/h_51255641.jpg

I think youre right. I've always thought that if you hit the ball perfectly on the sweet spot, more often than not the ball will go near where you were aiming.

Its all about timing really, and hitting the sweet spot is a sure indication that the timing was correct.

Of course, it has a lot to do with footwork and anticipation as well. Its not as easy as making sure the ball hits the sweet spot. You need to get to the ball ffirst.

 

[LeeD]

Dude, if you can't hit the center of your racket strings, why are you going for angles and shots near the sideline?
How about learning to hit the center first, then work on going out wide?

 

[Fintft]

Try a drill where you have to hit shots DTL or cross court - like z drill or whatever the call it. One guy hits DTL - the other guy hits cross court. You are seriously overthinking this. There is nothing you can say in sports that fixes physical issues. How do I throw a spiral? How do I hit a jumpshot? How do I dunk a basketball - you practice those things. <g>

I second this.

To the OP:

1. Try to do this drill first co-operatively.

Then

1. Go full out.

 

[Fintft]

I think youre right. I've always thought that if you hit the ball perfectly on the sweet spot, more often than not the ball will go near where you were aiming.

Its all about timing really, and hitting the sweet spot is a sure indication that the timing was correct.

Of course, it has a lot to do with footwork and anticipation as well. Its not as easy as making sure the ball hits the sweet spot. You need to get to the ball ffirst.

I like this attitude. Gj!