Hitting the ball early

[FalconX]

When you watch Tennis on TV they always talk about hitting the ball early. It's not as easy as it looks, actually it's impossible especially on backhand. Do you hit it flat or with topspin?Whenever I try it's either going into the net or out?Anyone has any tips?

 

[degreefanlindi]

early

The key to hitting early, I've found, is getting the racquet back early. Yes, it's easier said than done, and much harder on the backhand side...but anticipation and preparation are a big part of tennis too...so the more you can anticipate where the ball is going to land, the quicker you can set your stance and get the racquet back...thus, the quicker the swing!

 

[gustavo33]

i cant hit on the rise with my FH
my BH is so much better in hitting this kind of balls

 

[Marius_Hancu]

threads which might help:

Taking your racquet back early a myth?
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=29036&highlight=early

Stepping in and being early
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=21134&highlight=early

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I dont know if you can see the same photo on TW's home page but it shows Rodger Federer hitting a backhand.

You will see that his body is at a 45 degree angle and he is making contact in front of the angled body plane.

To hit on the rise you do the same thing except you hit the ball at its peak or slightly earlier in the same position. What is hard about hitting the ball at its peak is that it is there only for a very short time and takes practice. However, this is when the ball is traveling at its slowest rate!

You will need to make some adjustments in your swing, your footwork, and your movement to be on time.

In a nutshell, it takes practice.

 

[Kaptain Karl]

Let's see ... preparation, footwork and practice....

Nah! That can't be it.

- KK