How can i hit with nice rythm and well timed balls????

[Oldracquet27]

I am a 3.5 woman, have been playing for 3 and half years, i practice with my machine most of time, and play maybe two matches per week. Sometimes i play with a coach. I HAVE NOT been able to hit consistently a smooth, well timed ball with rythm like i am supposed to. I do not hit that bad, but i want to hit a well timed and smooth shot!!!!!!. Should i stop playing matches and practice with a partner, i agree that the desire to win makes me push and do a lot of different stuff that i don't do while practicing. The machine gives a too predictable ball and my machine is full of dead balls too!. I wonder if the lack of hitting partners ( it is so difficult to get one specially cause i am a female) is affecting my improvement. I win a decent amount of matches mostly cause i am fast and athletic rather than because i hit good forehands, my one h. backhand is okey, that is my best shot for now. I NEED TO LEARN THE RIGHT FEEL FOR THE BALL, I KNOW IS A SMOOTH BRUSH WITH GOOD TIMING AND RYTHM, BUT HOW I PRACTICE TO GET THAT INTO MY MUSCLE MEMORY, HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[LeeD]

No substitute for hitting with a good practice partner. As female, it's waaaay easier for you to find people to hit with. Nobody wants to hit with an old fart, falling 4.0 ever.
So smile, get yourself out there, and start meeting new people.

 

[Oldracquet27]

No substitute for hitting with a good practice partner. As female, it's waaaay easier for you to find people to hit with. Nobody wants to hit with an old fart, falling 4.0 ever.
So smile, get yourself out there, and start meeting new people.

lol, thanks leed, well, actually it's true, i actually know some guys that i know would hit with me. I will put my machine in the storage for a little while, let's see what happens.

 

[aimr75]

How do you hit with the ball machine? the ball machine gives you the perfect conditions to strike the ball optimally.. if this isnt happening even with a ball machine, then you also have technique issues which can be addressed with a coach

 

[ManuGinobili]

See if the "bounce hit" trick helps: When an incoming ball touches the ground, say out loud "bounce", and when you make contact, say "hit"...

A coach would be the best solution if you are able to go. Personal help is generally better than blind forum posts

 

[Djokovicfan4life]

I NEED TO LEARN THE RIGHT FEEL FOR THE BALL, I KNOW IS A SMOOTH BRUSH WITH GOOD TIMING AND RYTHM, BUT HOW I PRACTICE TO GET THAT INTO MY MUSCLE MEMORY, HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To become comfortable using new techniques, you have to swallow your pride and just use them in real match situations without having to win at all costs. I understand the competitive mindset, but you have to understand that in the long run you'll be limited physically as well as mentally by the conservative/pusher mindset.

If you don't use the elements that you practice, what's the point of practicing them?