How Do I Hit This Shot

[kenshireen]

I use an eastern FH.. My opponent hits a weak floater about 2 feet beyond the net. I rush up and cannot make it in time to take as a volley. I let the ball bounce and it bounces about shoulder high. I am in my FH grip and have a hell of a time putting this ball away because I can't seem to get my racket up to this height to hit a strong winner.
Should I change my grip on a shot like this? I do have all the time in the world.. Or should I walk aroundit and hit a BH slice?

 

[Mahboob Khan]

Just yesterday I posted my reply to similar situation. Please do some research and find that thread. It's here!

 

[FiveO]

You have every option open to you. In this situation, making contact well above net height so close to the net, you can swing down on the ball and/or close the racquet face on contact.

Where's the opponent? Behind the baseline? Inside? Near one sideline or the other? Centered?

Where's the ball? Middle? Do you have angle to work with?

There are four basic targets, 2 deep corners, directly up the middle or the sharply angled cross-court if sure it will end the point. A drop shot of some kind can also be an option if the opponent is buried.

Depth is almost always your friend. But don't overhit if the point is really over with already, again depending on where the opponent is.

If you feel you must drive the ball, based on the situation, contact above net height means everything, racquet face and swing path can be directed to the target without regard to the net. It's not in the way. Close the face with wrist angle or by switching to a more western grip, pick a target and drive the ball. Try to play the ball at chest height if there isn't room for a mini-overhead. Pick your target and commit to it.

 

[Geezer Guy]

As you approach the net, switch to your volley grip.
A shoulder-height ball hit 2 feet from the net should be a sitting duck!
But, if by some chance the ball comes back, you'll be in the right position with the right grip to put it away for good.

 

[Return_Ace]

what geezer guy said is pretty good, basically like a slice smash thing.

also if the ball has just bounced you could take it early for a winner so you hit it before it gets too high, just my opinion.

 

[Happyneige]

I use eastern FH too. When I get a floater near the net, I flatten out my stroke and aim deep cross-court. I hit the ball farther in front and at a higher contact point with the racquet finished just above the opposite hip.

 

[LudaKrisKG]

I would put it away with the short angle to the open court

 

[eggnog]

You've just described one of the weaknesses of the eastern fh grip and one of the reasons people have gone away from the eastern to SW or W grip. I personally went through the same thing myself. You have three options at least; switch to the SW fh grip which is not too difficult to convert to from eastern... I did; wait till the ball drops to the proper height or get it before it bounces too high; keep the eastern grip but instead of trying to hit over a high ball, hit a forehand slice, coming down on the ball from above.

 

[joe1987]

I stick with my semiwestern grip and just flatten it out. Free point man don't give it away.