Through-the-legs lob return

[EuroMagnum]

I e-mailed Hi-Tech Tennis for a video about this (I forgot his name on the boards, is it MasterTS that runs the site?), but I thought i'd ask here too -- more and more i've been seeing the through-the-legs shot as less of a clown move and more of an efficient lob return. I've pulled it off a few times, and the times that I didn't pull it off it was because I couldn't lift the ball up enough (luckily it wasn't because I missed the correct ball).

My main problem is that since the ball is moving on a forward (or backward, however you want to look at it) axis away from you, it's hard for me to catch up to it and get on top of it. I'm a pretty fast runner but when the ball just keeps moving away from you it seems impossible to get on top of it and hit it at the same time. I remember seeing a picture of Roddick doing the shot while running (somewhat like this picture http://www.theage.com.au/ffxImage/urlpicture_id_1074732552392_2004/01/23/pat_rafter,0.jpg ) but every time I try that I end up hitting my shoe or shin.

So, any tips?

 

[Mountain Ghost]

Through The Legs

Perhaps hitting your shoe or your shin is an accurate representation of the actual effectiveness of this wonderful shot selection. I assume the rest of your game is at a high enough level that it requires no special attention.

The only tip I would offer is . . . swing harder and see what else you can hit.

MG

 

[EricW]

Slow down a video of someone who does it and it's easy once you figure out the footwork. The only reason you see him and roddick in the air is because that is after they hit it. If you're right handed your left foot is positioned 2-4 feet further in front than your right foot and when you make contact both feet are on the ground. Make contact with the ball a split second after your left foot reaches the ground.

I learned this from Roddick and it works well.

For example this guy does it wrong: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjjustzZrd4&mode=related&search=

When you are sprinting at full speed hopping and landing on both feet isn't practical.

Ask if you need clarification about what I mean.

The first guy demonstrates the technique I explained. In my opinion thats the best way to do it because the other way is slower

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TQrsFY0s-k

 

[Off The Wall]

Ah, Be Normal

I've gotta go with Mountain Ghost here. Working on a tweener is an insane strategy. Your efforts would be better spent on just about any other shot.