Not pushing through the ball enough

[Thanh Phong]

Hi Tennis players!

I just got back into the tennis routine and after playing for a couple hours I felt that I wasn't pushing through the ball enough.

I'm a lefty and use a western grip.

When people say "push through the ball", is it kind of like hitting diagonally up through the ball?

When I load my hand back and position myself to hit an incoming ball, my racket is flat and slightly slanted upwards. When I go through the ball I kind of flick the ball with the mid to bottom part of my racket. I follow through by waving my racket (fist facing the other player).

Also, if someone is hitting a fast topspin and I wanted to return it without feeling pushed around, would I have to do a fast swing?

 

[Ajtat411]

Hmm, I play with a guy that uses a western grip and his shots are pretty loopy. If you want more "push through" the ball, typically you want to hit the ball farther in front from where you normally hit it. You basically get more of your body mass/energy into the ball when your contact point is more forward, assuming your mechanics are correct.

If you're returning a fast topspin ball and you're pressed for time, you want to shorten your backswing a little and basically swing/block the ball back, similar to a half volley stroke but with a longer swing/follow thru. Typically you will see players backup and try to hit their regular stroke, unless you practice this, your shot will be short or go into the net since your momentum will be going backwards. Do-able but needs to be practiced. Stand your ground and stay low through the shot, avoid lifting up on these shots is a easier way to deal with these balls. Get the ball back deep and reset.

 

[DeShaun]

my 2cents

pressure applied as when rolling on paint
http://sp.life123.com/bm.pix/paint-roller.s600x600.jpg
less wristy, more like medium-firm wristlock

steady the hoop up and down not tilted
http://www.twistedmonk.com/blog/tinyring.jpg

"pushing" the hoop forwards, surround the ball inside the bubble
http://games.preschoolrock.com/uploads/images/BubbleWand.jpg

hth

 

[GetBetterer]

>Western Grip
>Push through ball
...

 

[LeeD]

I'm a lefty with a western forehand, at least for the last 2 months.
On backswing, my hitting face is facing down onto the ground, behind and off to my left alley. I brush up for a slow loopy rally ball, especially when I'm timid and conservative.
For a flatter shot, think KARATE CHOP, hand facing UPwards, leading with edge of the hand.

 

[fuzz nation]

Also, if someone is hitting a fast topspin and I wanted to return it without feeling pushed around, would I have to do a fast swing?

Well, if you wait, wait, wait on the ball and only take a quick flick at it, you're going to feel like it's pushing you around. When the ball comes faster, we have less time to move, set up, and start swinging to meet that ball without being late. Swinging late usually feels the same as being pushed around.

So I'd say try to think about preparing more quickly (with no delay) so that you can still use a full swing, not a fast swing. Going for a faster swing can unravel your tempo and mechanics, but a full swing without a rush is typically smoother with more control.

Be more deliberate and aggressive with your first move toward the ball, even during easier hits on the practice courts, so that you make an earlier set up for your stroke.

 

[Austinthecity]

Instead of trying to trace your racket's path with your hand, keep your grip loose and swing with your right shoulder. The racket will follow the right path.

 

[coolblue123]

I have a heavy topspin game and I had the exact issue. I recently resolved it. When you are practicing and starting the rally, just go through the motion of hitting through the ball. It helped me alot. Now, I have just added a flatter forehand in my toolbox.

 

[LeftySpinner]

Whenever I thought of "pushing through the shot", I would think of swinging the racquet on a straight trajectory (with some racquet head motion for topspin) towards my target. It'll produce a flatter, deeper shot most of the time.