How to keep in balance against fast/heavy hitters?

[rk_sports]

When I play someone who hits a heavy and pacy ball ...I just don't have the time to setup and keep my balance for my shots .. always trying to hit not being at the ideal zone!

Now the obvious answer would be that I need to improve my footwork/speed to be able to position myself.

Apart from that....

In my little self analysis, it looks like if I can get proper balance, I should be able to hang in the rally... what are some tips to follow to be able to do that.. alternatively.. what are the tips to be able to take the heat and counter-punch like some smaller guys (on tour) do so well! ?

Thanks!

 

[LeeD]

Most important is to get ready early.
So hit with hard hitters more often, you learn to react instantly to direction and shorten your moves, both foot, shoulder, and arm, to get ready SOONER so you are waiting for the ball to get to you.
Don't ever lean back, don't lean on heels, instead, get ready sooner. Even the top pros have time to get set for their groundies, given a groundie exchange.

 

[skiracer55]

You've already figured out the obvious answer...

When I play someone who hits a heavy and pacy ball ...I just don't have the time to setup and keep my balance for my shots .. always trying to hit not being at the ideal zone!

Now the obvious answer would be that I need to improve my footwork/speed to be able to position myself.

Apart from that....

In my little self analysis, it looks like if I can get proper balance, I should be able to hang in the rally... what are some tips to follow to be able to do that.. alternatively.. what are the tips to be able to take the heat and counter-punch like some smaller guys (on tour) do so well! ?

Thanks!

...the next thing would be to figure out what to do to take control of the point early so you can put this type of opponent in the hurt locker. In other words, figure out a way to rush him and put him in an awkward position before he does it to you. Remember that the serve and return are the two most important shots in tennis, in that order. Against somebody who runs you silly, you have to do something on the serve and return to give you the upper hand and put him off balance. Then, it's just a matter of keeping the pressure on until you force and error or hit a winner...

 

[mtommer]

When I play someone who hits a heavy and pacy ball ...I just don't have the time to setup and keep my balance for my shots .. always trying to hit not being at the ideal zone!

Now the obvious answer would be that I need to improve my footwork/speed to be able to position myself.

Apart from that....

The key would be to try and hit shots back that don't give the person the chance to setup and really nail the shot. Hit to the corners but keep it low. Hit angles but keep it up with some pace to force them to hit a ball on the run. If, IF, you can get this working then you end up facing a ball that allows you to hit it on your terms. Then it's a matter of whether you have put away ability or don't. If you don't, you'll still lose a lot. If you do the strategy may work and hopefully it'll work enough/the other guy doesn't adapt, such that you can pull out a win.

 

[Kedar]

If you have to, stand farther back behind the baseline. Look at how far back Nadal stands.

 

[fuzz nation]

Well, proper balance comes with good early preparation. If you get set up for your shot ahead of the ball's arrival, you can swing at your comfortable tempo more often. If you're rushing your swing to catch up to the ball or scrambling with your feet to run it down, it's a lot less likely that you can be well balanced once you try to make contact.

Two vital habits to work on as routinely as you can are bursting toward the ball from your split-step and taking your racquet half way back to either side as soon as the ball leaves your opponent's strings. Even in an easy hitting session, make these first moves more urgent and rushed so that you can be set up, balanced, and swinging at a comfortable tempo when the ball comes into your strike zone.

 

[charliefedererer]

If you are having trouble with the pace, and you have access to a ball machine, try the following:
Set the machine to fire wide enough that you have to take a couple of steps to reach the ball.
With each next hundred balls you fill the machine up, turn up the pace and spin just slightly each time.
If it gets too hot to handle, back off to the previous level, before turning it up again.
Going at this incrementally will give your hand/eye coodination time to adjust. After even an hour, balls that looked fast when you started will now seem routine.

 

[chess9]

If you are having trouble with the pace, and you have access to a ball machine, try the following:
Set the machine to fire wide enough that you have to take a couple of steps to reach the ball.
With each next hundred balls you fill the machine up, turn up the pace and spin just slightly each time.
If it gets too hot to handle, back off to the previous level, before turning it up again.
Going at this incrementally will give your hand/eye coodination time to adjust. After even an hour, balls that looked fast when you started will now seem routine.

Yes, an excellent tip! I've done this many times. By the time you get on court with some 4.0-4.5 you will be twittering between shots.

But, on a more realistic note, I played a 5.5 yesterday. 24 year old kid. He just slaughtered the ball and I barely had time to react. There are very real physical differences caused by genetics, age, disease, and being Caucasian. Sometimes you gotta' face the music....sour notes and all.

-Robert

 

[Blake0]

When playing at high pace, you need to stop worrying about your form and doubting your technique, you don't have time for that. All you need to do is get to the ball, prepare early, and make sure to hit the ball at your contact point (not late or early). If your swing speed is decent, and your form isn't totally crazy..you should be able to hit it back pretty easily, because your opponent will provide most of the pace you'll need. Don't forget your weight transfer though, or else your balls will lose pace...even if he's providing most of the pace.

Another tip is to shorten your backswing.

 

[xFullCourtTenniSx]

When I play someone who hits a heavy and pacy ball ...I just don't have the time to setup and keep my balance for my shots .. always trying to hit not being at the ideal zone!

Now the obvious answer would be that I need to improve my footwork/speed to be able to position myself.

Apart from that....

In my little self analysis, it looks like if I can get proper balance, I should be able to hang in the rally... what are some tips to follow to be able to do that.. alternatively.. what are the tips to be able to take the heat and counter-punch like some smaller guys (on tour) do so well! ?

Thanks!

Well. The biggest thing is to get your center of gravity about a foot lower than when you're standing. You look at some pros and it's evident how low they get when they're at the net and their head is bobbing above the net and their standing height is over 6 feet! So when you split step, try to get a little lower as well.

 

[In D Zone]

One thing I found especially in a match - if you go mano y mano. You'll find that you playing into the strength of your opponent. For one - changing your swing to shorter more compact stroke to get ball. Yes, you can hit the ball back but you won't be as successful in control the ball. You shot will tend to get shorter and most like returning it directly back to your opponent's strike zone. You won't be able to easily move your shot to the direction you like; you are rushed. You'll find that you are playing alot more a defensive shots - you'll be doing alot of running.

Some suggested to stand behind further back from the baseline. Tha's Great ! if you have the stroke and power of Nadal that you can push your opponent back as well. If not, then you'll be a victim of frequent drop shots. Unless your opponent just like to camp on the baseline.

For me, if you find your opponent hitting heavy shots. I would focus on getting to the ball first, if I have time I would drive a heavier topspin shot back rather than just punching the ball ball back with a short stroke. Goal is to hit the ball long back to the baseline. If you push your opponent back you'll find his/ her shot will be less intimidating as he / she will have to move further back to hit the next shot. Then work on hitting your shot to the corners. Only use the short compact shot or even a slice (fh or bh) if you are stretched or on a dead run.

Play within your means - don't get too worked up if you feel that you are getting over run. This what makes pushers so successful - I am not saying or advocating to be a PUSHER. But I pointing out their will and resolve to keep the ball in play; using their game to their advantage. I don't see why one can't employ the same strategy.