How do you start a practice rally?

[Deleted member 23235]

Hmm interesting. To me, I feel like drop hitting a 2 hander doesn't make sense since the ball is just floating there with no pace behind it. To each their own I suppose.

not having pace is exactly why i do it... it's harder (for me) to hit a 2hbh without pace (and generate my own pace). forces me to be more precise about my contact point (and it's relationship to my by body)

 

[ByeByePoly]

not having pace is exactly why i do it... it's harder (for me) to hit a 2hbh without pace (and generate my own pace). forces me to be more precise about my contact point (and it's relationship to my by body)

Are you talking about 2hbh off the bounce or in air before bounce? I assume bounce. Either way a guess would be that we do fine with minimum shoulder turn fh feeds, but 2hbh is really wanting/needing that turn. I do fine now drop feeding (bounce) 2hbh ... actually thanks to your suggestion of adding that to my 2hbh drills for touch. I just do the 2hbh drop feed drill ... not for warming up with someone. I suspect if I did, I would jump right to trying to hit it with minimum shoulder turn.

Which reminds me ... meant to ask you if you can pull off a decent all arms 2hbh (equivalent to nipples to the net fh). I have no problem when forced to on fh ... not so much with 2hbh. That could be a common limitation of the stroke ... or my limitation because of point in my learning curve.

 

[Pete Player]

If from ”in the air” a touch of slice or flat ball into the middle is my preference.


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No more on pain meds - all contributed matter and anti-matter are still subject to disclaimer

 

[Deleted member 23235]

Are you talking about 2hbh off the bounce or in air before bounce? I assume bounce. Either way a guess would be that we do fine with minimum shoulder turn fh feeds, but 2hbh is really wanting/needing that turn. I do fine now drop feeding (bounce) 2hbh ... actually thanks to your suggestion of adding that to my 2hbh drills for touch. I just do the 2hbh drop feed drill ... not for warming up with someone. I suspect if I did, I would jump right to trying to hit it with minimum shoulder turn.

Which reminds me ... meant to ask you if you can pull off a decent all arms 2hbh (equivalent to nipples to the net fh). I have no problem when forced to on fh ... not so much with 2hbh. That could be a common limitation of the stroke ... or my limitation because of point in my learning curve.

on the bounce.
i take the time to do a full turn... but specifically i focus on the racquet drop and brush/drive

i can't do anything all arms. i need full unit turn to generate any rhs (else it's just a block back and have no idea where it's gonna go.. usually short, then i "adjust" by opening the racquet face because i know i need to get more depth. even when i hit an open stance 2hbh, it's with a full unit turn.

 

[ByeByePoly]

on the bounce.
i take the time to do a full turn... but specifically i focus on the racquet drop and brush/drive

i can't do anything all arms. i need full unit turn to generate any rhs (else it's just a block back and have no idea where it's gonna go.. usually short, then i "adjust" by opening the racquet face because i know i need to get more depth. even when i hit an open stance 2hbh, it's with a full unit turn.

Good, that is what I thought. I look for this in pro matches, and pros pull off all arm FHs all the time when stretched. They look to do everything possible ... even running and stretched ... to flash at least some back to opponent on 2hbh. My 2hbh ros improved once that rule was locked into my head. I hit a lot of open stance 2hbh now (mainly closed until this year), and yes, full shoulder turn (for me) also on open stance. I find lately I'm more accurate with open, but my max pace with closed. From watching pros ... I think that must be typical.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

Good, that is what I thought. I look for this in pro matches, and pros pull off all arm FHs all the time when stretched. They look to do everything possible ... even running and stretched ... to flash at least some back to opponent on 2hbh. My 2hbh ros improved once that rule was locked into my head. I hit a lot of open stance 2hbh now (mainly closed until this year), and yes, full shoulder turn (for me) also on open stance. I find lately I'm more accurate with open, but my max pace with closed. From watching pros ... I think that must be typical.

(presuming i'm trying to hit topspin) if i'm pulled wide,... sure, it's probably all arm, but it's not consistent... i think i am able to generate rhs via the loop, and partial unit turn... but obviously not ideal, and i probably miss more than not (or leave a lob/sitter in the dtl/middle of the court)
but i'm generally can say, no i can't typically can't hit all arm... (not anything consistently effective anyway)... i'm not that talented... fortunately that's only 5-10% of time i need to try, so probably won't spend much time practicing that

 

[Deleted member 23235]

Good, that is what I thought. I look for this in pro matches, and pros pull off all arm FHs all the time when stretched. They look to do everything possible ... even running and stretched ... to flash at least some back to opponent on 2hbh. My 2hbh ros improved once that rule was locked into my head. I hit a lot of open stance 2hbh now (mainly closed until this year), and yes, full shoulder turn (for me) also on open stance. I find lately I'm more accurate with open, but my max pace with closed. From watching pros ... I think that must be typical.

i have a similar experience with open 2hbh... i prefer neutral/closed 2hbh... open stance is more defensive (ie. i'm late)

 

[ByeByePoly]

i have a similar experience with open 2hbh... i prefer neutral/closed 2hbh... open stance is more defensive (ie. i'm late)

If I hit a hopper of ball machine balls cc 2hbh open at a cone ... and another hopper closed ... the pattern will be tighter open. It actually has been a surprise ... since I came from 1hbh open bh was foreign to me.

Maybe a spring Jolly challenge ... 2hbh feeds in the air no bounce.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I'm all for variety. If I want to practice a FH slice feel, I'll drop-hit with conti grip. If I want to start with a topspin shot I'll drop bounce and hit either FH or 1HBH depending on my mood. I'm just trying to feel the ball different ways.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

What's the point in drop feeding a backhand?

To get BH practice?

Even if you did and you use a 2 hander, you'd have to very quickly get the other hand on the handle. Makes 0 logical sense.

It doesn't take super human movement to accomplish: you toss the ball with your off-hand and as the ball is rising, you grip the racquet with your off-hand, and then swing. Bounce optional although I always do it with a bounce unless I want to practice swinging volleys.

 

[ByeByePoly]

To get BH practice?



It doesn't take super human movement to accomplish: you toss the ball with your off-hand and as the ball is rising, you grip the racquet with your off-hand, and then swing. Bounce optional although I always do it with a bounce unless I want to practice swinging volleys.

It was awkward at first for me, but was good to reinforce that my 2hbh grip was ingrained in muscle memory at that point. Of course ... just non-dom hand having to quickly find it’s home.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

just non-dom hand having to quickly find it’s home.

If you think about it, not that much different from receiving serve with a FH grip and switching to hit a BH; and there you have a lot less time.

 

[ByeByePoly]

If you think about it, not that much different from receiving serve with a FH grip and switching to hit a BH; and there you have a lot less time.

Well ... I came from the 1hbh with the only grip change from my weak eastern fh to continental all things backhand. Also ... years of one arm prep muscle memory at baseline. Picking up 2hbh ... I found myself in ready position holding on with both hands in 2hbh grip. It was what was new ... so starting with it was a security blanket. I am past that stage now ... 2hbh grip is automatic muscle memory like any other stroke, but still hold 2hbh grip for ros ready position. Also ... still have continental grip for dom hand 2hbh ... cont/east.

The 2hbh drop feed is a great drill for touch and hands/grip. Maybe I will 2hbh drop feed in warmup with some of my friends I have played with forever and mess with their head.

 

[MajesticMoose]

I return with 2hbh grip. I can easily switch to my semi western FH if it goes that way. Much easier to defend backhand when your hands are already correctly there.

Although most pros wait in forehand grip with left hand in 2hbh. I felt odd doing that though.

 

[Pete Player]

Spraying the ball all over the place and excusing myself every time the ball goes away from the opponent in warm-up has been quite succesfull strategy in matches. [emoji1690]


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No more on pain meds - all contributed matter and anti-matter are still subject to disclaimer

 

[Wise one]

Bounce the ball 15-20 times, then hit it.

 

[One Handed Dynasty]

Oh please, if you really want to flex on your opponent it’s all about a ball machine in the corner and having the remote in your pocket.


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[rogerroger917]

Its because it is the easiest way to start a feed. Most efficient. Your hand is already in the ready conti grip. Your off hand just drops the ball and you swing. After you practice tennis for years there isn't an issue of feeding exactly how you wish and where you wish using the least amount of effort.

 

[Fintft]

ironically feeding 1hbh is easier... but it's more like a slappy slice drive, that i don't use in real playing... so i don't use this feed.

Drop feeding a 1HBH top spin for me, to relax etc.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

My original tennis mentor told me that if I drop it first, that I'll give away I'm a beginner.

Outdated thinking IMO.

Theoretically, it should be out of the air AND using a conti grip. That is the normal feed that most coaches use...

Very common with a lot of coaches. But this is not a federal (or state) law. I'll do that with students, especially for an easy feed, when I want to hit the ball fairly flat or with a scosh of underspin. But when I want to hit heavy topspin to them, I'll switch my grip and hit the ball off a bounce more often than not. It provides a bit more of a natural rhythm for the student (or a hitting partner). Also help them properly develop their split step timing.

I do mix it up (off the bounce & out of the air) when hitting topspin but I'll go with 'off the bounce' more often. I also feed FHs either left-handed or right-handed to give students a bit more variety & experience. Will sometimes feed with a 1-handed BH -- both slice & topspin BHs. Yet more variety & experience for the student. BH feeds are almost always off a bounce for me.
.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Long long ago, I had an excellent coach encourage us to start a rally or warmup with a bounce-hit feed even tho' the cool kids were hitting it out of the air. Starting the rally off the bounce gives you a bit extra practice (warm up) with your topspin groundstrokes -- more practice on what you will be using for a match.
.

 

[Steady Eddy]

Outdated thinking IMO.
.

Gee wiz! I was told that only 40 years ago.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Gee wiz! I was told that only 40 years ago.

Yeah, could have been that long ago or more when it was suggested to me. Then 30 yrs ago, I got the advice mentioned in post #71.
.

 

[Bender]

I always start rallies with a drop shot. Let's them know immediately...they my bish and will be running.

Wimp...I start a rally with my fedresque 1HBH winner down the line.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

Drop feeding a 1HBH top spin for me, to relax etc.

true, there is something about hitting a 1hbh feed... smooth/fluid... "satisfying"?
though i avoid doing it because i hit a 2hbh, and my 1hbh contact point is slightly different...

 

[heninfan99]

My original tennis mentor told me that if I drop it first, that I'll give away I'm a beginner.

The ability to feed decently whether off the bounce or in the air does show some skills. It's not that easy.

What NTRP level does quality feeding begin?

 

[ChaelAZ]

Wimp...I start a rally with my fedresque 1HBH winner down the line.

That's my second shot IF they get to the drop shot.

 

[ByeByePoly]

That's my second shot IF they get to the drop shot.

How do you tell the difference between your drop shot and drive?

Sorry ... @Bender has always been a bad influence on me.

 

[ChaelAZ]

How do you tell the difference between your drop shot and drive?

Sorry ... @Bender has always been a bad influence on me.

Come to AZ and I will let you experience both first hand.

 

[Fintft]

true, there is something about hitting a 1hbh feed... smooth/fluid... "satisfying"?
though i avoid doing it because i hit a 2hbh, and my 1hbh contact point is slightly different...

You know what's funny? Most of my partners have more problems returning my drop fed 1HBH (kinda flies low and deep), then the from the air FH(that I send with more arc) to start a rally.

 

[ByeByePoly]

Come to AZ and I will let you experience both first hand.

I actually would love it ... great company and some of that 110+ "dry heat". Only place I ever played golf where I drank liquids 24x7 and never sweat or peed. I leaked less than a Saguaro. I will never forget first round at Scottsdale Troon north. Someone in the club house told us that it was not wise to look very aggressively for your ball off the fairway ... rattlesnakes. Man ... that will give a person a very strong incentive to hit your drive straight.

 

[ByeByePoly]

Come to AZ and I will let you experience both first hand.

You don't want to take me on ... I can do the following after my foam rolling:

 

[ChaelAZ]

You don't want to take me on ... I can do the following after my foam rolling:

So after foam rolling you can shoot video of gymnastic women? Kinda creepy, but ok.