Hitting winner (or so) on a short low ball

[Fatmike]

Almost all the time when I have a low short ball (below net level and around servicee line) I hit it too far. I try to put power to hit a winner and also try to put lots of topspin but I like I said, it almost always goes long.

So, what do you guys do on low short balls? Do you try to rip it or just return it and wait for another ball to attack?

 

[basil J]

Treat it as approach opportunity. Going for "TV winners" are tough shots. If you take pace off and get better at executing approach shots, the your confidence will grow and you will get better and better eventually learning when to go for a winner and when to play within your limits and approach.

 

[nicepuppy]

This is probably the major factor separating me from the next higher level...my inability to deal effectively with low-bouncing short balls with any regularity. My real problem is more that I hit short balls myself too often, giving my opponent a chance to use these shorter returns, so my fundamental solution is to keep the ball deep to begin with to avoid these situations.

When I pay attention and focus, I find that adding a touch more topspin and trying to hit at 80% power shot deep to a corner can be very effective for me on the short low balls. Placement more than power is what I try to achieve...except when I get excited and overhit.

I think I have this weakness because I never practice these balls except in matches. When I just hit with others, I like to stand behind the baseline and whack away at the ball...if my partner hits a short ball, I let it bounce twice so I can stay behind the baseline. If I weren't so lazy maybe I'd practice these balls.

 

[Tennis Ball Hitter]

I use to do try and whip it for a winner ... and it went long. Now, I have resigned to the fact that I cannot hit a winner in this situation.

I find that the best way to get the advantage is to drop it short and make sure that the ball does not bouce higher than the net and move in. Which means no spin, backspin or topspin.

 

[Fatmike]

I use to do try and whip it for a winner ... and it went long. Now, I have resigned to the fact that I cannot hit a winner in this situation.

I find that the best way to get the advantage is to drop it short and make sure that the ball does not bouce higher than the net and move in. Which means no spin, backspin or topspin.

that may be a good advice... problem is I suck at doing this... in fact, the only shot I can't do is a drop shot.... (not that I'm a pro in other shots, but at least I can do them)

 

[Rickson]

BB has advised me not to attempt ripping at low shots and to go for angles instead. Obviously, you don't want to hit directly at your opponent as was stated in another thread, but if he's waiting dtl and you get a low, short ball, a nice sharp angle will get you a winner without that monster rip you're looking for.

 

[cervelo]

Treat it as approach opportunity. Going for "TV winners" are tough shots. If you take pace off and get better at executing approach shots, the your confidence will grow and you will get better and better eventually learning when to go for a winner and when to play within your limits and approach.

Absolutely!!! Look to get an easy volley out of this - another good play is to use slice, keep the ball low and make your opponent hit up.

 

[Fatmike]

BB has advised me not to attempt ripping at low shots and to go for angles instead. Obviously, you don't want to hit directly at your opponent as was stated in another thread, but if he's waiting dtl and you get a low, short ball, a nice sharp angle will get you a winner without that monster rip you're looking for.

I'll try this next time.... I'll go opposite of the opponent, nearest to the net as possible (and lowest bounce as posible).... maybe I can try to make it dropshot right on the net, slightly on my opponent side so that the ball could only roll to his side.... that would be nice

 

[KingBugsy]

Going for angles is a good idea... Having said that I do think that one should try and develop a strong topspin shot off that short low ball. It can be done! You need to get to the ball as quickly as possible and bend those knees! Also, it can be effective to hit these shot with a closed stance where you strike the ball moving forward and land on your left foot. (for right handers) Get the racket head down and below the ball and really think about getting as much topspin on the ball as you can. This can be combined with angle, and you are most likely going to be hitting a winner, or a ball that you can follow into net for an easy volley.

Of course you also have the option to slice and follow into the net. That can be very effective... However if you can learn to: get to the ball, strike with closed stance, land on left foot moving forward, and whip that topspin from under the ball... the point is over!

 

[dakels]

This is the perfect opportunity for a 1-2 punch. Move in and spin to a corner and move into net for the finish. While you may remember those crazy winners the pros hit, they do the 1-2 punch much moreso, just that sometimes their 1 punch is so good it's a winner.

That low shot is often easier depending on your grip too. Full westerners have much more difficult time usually then easterners. Westerners really have to drop their shoulder down, bend the knees low, and sweep up. The key is to recognize it, step in and bend low like a surfer to sweep up on the ball. An alternate to this which is something I do half the time is a reverse forehand. You move in drop the shoulder, jump into the ball and pull it up finishing with the racquet on the same side instead of crossing across your body. This will give you more spin while maintaining an agressive movement into the net.

One thing players do alot unconciously is automatically bounce up and sometimes a step back before they move to a ball. Those low short shots do not afford that time. Your first step is to move in and nowhere else. One of the biggest differences in well trained players who move early and others who are late is that first step. Is your first step a bounce to your toes to get ready or a step toward the ball? The latter will help your prep alot more giving you that extra step which can make or break the shot. Good court covering players often bounce alot while waiting on their toes (front balls of their feet really) therefore instantly ready to move and not sitting on their heels.

 

[cervelo]

Good advice above - reminds me of a few pointers that may help:

1) you can never be too early- ANTICIPATE the short ball. When I crack a ball with my forehand, I'm looking for a weak reply. Use your favorite shot to get that weak ball.

2) You'd be surprised how much topspin you don't need to get the ball deep to the corners. If a ball is ankle level, you oughta think slice. Otherwise, see the ball through contact with a smooth swing, not necessarily a whippy swing. Remember that your opponent doesn't know where you're going with it, and the pressure is on him to react. Good placement beats power.

3) Finally, your front court game is critical. I'd argue that the approach shot is the 3rd most important stroke in tennis. Practice it and feel it out. Two good things to focus on are: knee bend and keeping that head quiet by keeping your eyes on the ball- and remember to forget about clean winners and stay smooth and confident.

 

[Marius_Hancu]

Fatmike,
If you want more references, you might want to check
my new posting on
Attacking the Short Ball
in the Sticky

 

[Maledizione]

BB has advised me not to attempt ripping at low shots and to go for angles instead. Obviously, you don't want to hit directly at your opponent as was stated in another thread, but if he's waiting dtl and you get a low, short ball, a nice sharp angle will get you a winner without that monster rip you're looking for.

I like this advice. This is something I am working on right now.
The drill is htting partner and I hit 4 shot Backhand rally, he hits a dropper to my duece service court and I run from baseline to ball and try to hit short angle cross court. If he gets to it we play point out.

 

[NamRanger]

Personally I would suggest going for something more safe, if he hits a low short ball and the cross court corner is open, go for a nice heavy topspin hit to that corner, and force him to step back behind the baseline, allowing you plenty of time to get to the net. Since he has to wait for the ball to come down (unless he's a diehard Agassi wannabe), he'll have more of a chance to make a mistake, and also won't be able to put too much power into it (because he has to generate his own pace). This allows an easy volley to end the point. Of course, this is only if he coughs up a short ball to you, I wouldn't suggest using heavy topspin balls (such as moonballs) for an approach shot if your at the baseline.



If the crosscourt isn't open, a possibility is to use a short low ball against him and go for a dropshot if you have the positioning and the time to do it. Otherwise, as other posters have said, just hit a low flat ball at a good angle, not too much pace.