inexperienced in singles / hitting shots on the run

[HunterST]

I've really always wanted to play singles, but due to lack of availability, I've played mostly doubles. In doubles, I don't make many ground stroke errors, but in singles, I not only miss more shots, but miss more shots in the wrong way. That is, I miss hit them or just dunk them into the net.

I think it's because I'm not used to running for the shots. I've literally played probably 10-15 singles matches in my 20 months of playing. I end up missing shots that are not really all that tough. I'm actually pretty fast, I'm a good athlete, and I'm 20 years old, so it's not that I just have bad movement.

What are some tips for hitting shots on the run?

Is it normal to make a higher percentage of unforced errors in singles?

 

[SuperDuy]

I've really always wanted to play singles, but due to lack of availability, I've played mostly doubles. In doubles, I don't make many ground stroke errors, but in singles, I not only miss more shots, but miss more shots in the wrong way. That is, I miss hit them or just dunk them into the net.

I think it's because I'm not used to running for the shots. I've literally played probably 10-15 singles matches in my 20 months of playing. I end up missing shots that are not really all that tough. I'm actually pretty fast, I'm a good athlete, and I'm 20 years old, so it's not that I just have bad movement.

What are some tips for hitting shots on the run?

Is it normal to make a higher percentage of unforced errors in singles?

Just a singles player, but now im starting to play more and more doubles so I can learn both strategies.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

If you are running forward for the ball, be sure that you don't overhit it - a common error for many players. Once solution for this is to use a generous helping of topspin. An alternate solution is to slow the swing down a tad to keep the ball in the court.

When hitting on the run going out wide, try to swing with an open (or semi-open) stance and then execute a mogul move so that you don't over-run the ball (which will hamper your recovery). Usually best to hit crosscourt with a lot of net clearance to give yourself time to get back into the court. Only go down the line if you think that you can hit a winner or elicit a weak reply.

 

[1stVolley]

If you are netting a lot of running shots, you may not be preparing your racquet early enough. You want to begin the foreswing as you are running so that, on a wide shot with some pace, you will be stroking it at the right spot. When running wide, it's a lot harder to muscle the racquet if you had late preparation.

 

[ProgressoR]

At my level (intermediate) I don't have to hit too many whilst actually running. Most of them I can get to and have time to play the shot whilst stationary (ery?). Do you really mean hitting on the run? That shouldn't have to happen often. Perhaps your movement can be improved. Mine isn't very good. Hitting on the run will be by definition low % shots.

 

[Cindysphinx]

At my level (intermediate) I don't have to hit too many whilst actually running. Most of them I can get to and have time to play the shot whilst stationary (ery?). Do you really mean hitting on the run? That shouldn't have to happen often. Perhaps your movement can be improved. Mine isn't very good. Hitting on the run will be by definition low % shots.

+1.

Also, make sure you recover the instant you hit your own shot. My tendency is to hit and then watch my shot. Then when opponent hits I am out of position and have an emergency on my hands. If I put as much energy into recover as I put into everything else, I find I rarely have to hit on the run.

So it's Hit, Recover, Split. Then you'll feel more like you're gliding and setting up rather than hitting on the run.

 

[brad1730]

I like the forehand slice. It's difficult for me to get the body rotation and forward arm movement required for a topspin shot while I'm running. If you are truely on the run, I think a topspin shot is too aggressive for most players in the 3.0 to 3.5 range.

I take a continental grip and a decent (but not too aggressive) swipe at the ball. This is great if it's a high ball. It keeps your return low. If their shot is low, then I think your best shot is a moonball lob. While you're running to get the ball, your opponent is more than likely moving up to the net - the lob is probably the best shot anyway when you are on the defensive, and your opponent is moving to the net. If you slice and your opponent is moving in, then at least your return is low. When you are on the run like this, they will be looking for a popped up return from you. Your response needs to be low or high. Just my opinion - good luck!

 

[anchorage]

Probably footwork issues. Always look to get behind the ball; your footwork does this for you. You then have a solid base from which to hit.

On the occasions when you genuinely can't do this, don't try to be too aggressive. Instead, play an effective, generally deep, defensive shot.

 

[HunterST]

If you are running forward for the ball, be sure that you don't overhit it - a common error for many players. Once solution for this is to use a generous helping of topspin. An alternate solution is to slow the swing down a tad to keep the ball in the court.

When hitting on the run going out wide, try to swing with an open (or semi-open) stance and then execute a mogul move so that you don't over-run the ball (which will hamper your recovery). Usually best to hit crosscourt with a lot of net clearance to give yourself time to get back into the court. Only go down the line if you think that you can hit a winner or elicit a weak reply.

Thanks a lot for the reply! What exactly is a mogul move?

If you are netting a lot of running shots, you may not be preparing your racquet early enough. You want to begin the foreswing as you are running so that, on a wide shot with some pace, you will be stroking it at the right spot. When running wide, it's a lot harder to muscle the racquet if you had late preparation.

Probably footwork issues. Always look to get behind the ball; your footwork does this for you. You then have a solid base from which to hit.

On the occasions when you genuinely can't do this, don't try to be too aggressive. Instead, play an effective, generally deep, defensive shot.

I think you guys are right about it being a footwork issue.

The players I have the most trouble with aren't the hard hitters, but the players that hit shots with various depths, spins, and heights (how high the ball bounces).

I've noticed that when I get fairly slow returns I actually move slower. I try to arrive at the point where I want to strike the ball at the moment I actually have to swing. Should I actually be getting to the spot I think will be the spot of contact as quickly as possible and just wait for the ball (taking adjustment steps of course)?

 

[LeeD]

When you warmup in doubles, you have to cover from wider than doubles alley to center. Move and run, learn to hit.
Go out and practice with ONE or TWO partners. Then you have to run alley to alley.
The main drill of good players is a 15 minute rotation of TWO vs. ONE. The two mostly hit CC, but can hit DTL. They LOSE if they hit up the middle.
The ONE hits TWO SHOTS to each of his partners. Nothing up the middle allowed!

 

[HunterST]

At my level (intermediate) I don't have to hit too many whilst actually running. Most of them I can get to and have time to play the shot whilst stationary (ery?). Do you really mean hitting on the run? That shouldn't have to happen often. Perhaps your movement can be improved. Mine isn't very good. Hitting on the run will be by definition low % shots.

Yeah, maybe on the move would have been a better word. I'm not talking about hitting a shot while sprinting at top speed to the other side of the court.

I have trouble with the shots that are on the other side of the court and have a slightly different depth than where I was standing. Meaning I have to run diagonally.

 

[LeeD]

Actually, if you watch pro tourneys of baseliners, you'll find they tend to run parallel to the baseline. It doesn't cut off angles, but it gives you MORE TIME to get into position to hit the wide shots.
And wide shots, if you choose CC, you hit deeper..either higher net clearance, less spin, or harder.
Of course, for short shots, they have to move in. But deep CC's wide to them, they almost run BACK away from the baseline to give them the TIME they need to get into position to hit the ball.
Not necessarily AndreAgassi's strategy, or JohnMcEnroes, but is adopted by almost every claycourt baseliner.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Thanks a lot for the reply! What exactly is a mogul move? ...

Sorry, I missed this previously. I discussed this a bit in the Advanced Footwork thread last Spring, I believe. Check out the following links (Firefox had problems for me for the 1st link but IE was ok):

http://www.jezgreen.com/the-mogul-step

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRV4GhpD4m8

metacafe.com/watch/1218609/the_bailey_method_tennis_footwork

AdvantageTennisAcademyAZ.com/ContactMoves/DefensiveContactMove...

 

[ManuGinobili]

A quick thing that helped me a lot during this stage.... After you have served or returned, take a few steps back away from the baseline

This is to make sure you're moving into the ball, which is always better than chasing it.

Other things to focus on:
- anticipation: split step is a major theme
- creating angles: look up directionals on youtube

 

[HunterST]

+1.

Also, make sure you recover the instant you hit your own shot. My tendency is to hit and then watch my shot. Then when opponent hits I am out of position and have an emergency on my hands. If I put as much energy into recover as I put into everything else, I find I rarely have to hit on the run.

So it's Hit, Recover, Split. Then you'll feel more like you're gliding and setting up rather than hitting on the run.

A quick thing that helped me a lot during this stage.... After you have served or returned, take a few steps back away from the baseline

This is to make sure you're moving into the ball, which is always better than chasing it.

Other things to focus on:
- anticipation: split step is a major theme
- creating angles: look up directionals on youtube

I think both of those posts are great advice. I'm fairly sure I'm guilty of occasionally watching my ball rather than recovering as well as serving or returning and then failing to move back a little to the baseline.

The thing I discovered that was really messing me up was that I was hitting most of my shots late. I was there on time, but I didn't swing at the right time. I started focusing on getting my contact point out in front and it made A WORLD of difference.

In fact, the first set when I was hitting late, I won 7-5, the second set when I started hitting out in front, I won 6-1 and was up 3-0 in the third.

 

[Slazenger07]

Im quite good on the run, the reason why is my timing, you must time your shots with your movement in order to be good at it. I find it pretty easy now but it definitely was not always easy, like anything practice makes perfect.

Take some time to watch great movers like Nadal, Federer, Murray and watch how they stay light on their feet and maintain balance while on the run, in all seriousness I think that's how I got good at it, just watching alot of pro tennis and learning how to time my shots while running like mad.

 

[TN00b]

I'm not a pro, but I think that starting your swing a bit earlier might help you be in a (reasonable) good hitting position.
I agree with split step, I'm sure that will give you a little more tiime to hit comfortably (ish).