unable to generate/handle pace

[gangster33]

I have trouble generating pace on all my shots. I also have trouble handling pace. I am quite strong. What could be the reason? My first guess is footwork.
What do you guys think.

 

[armsty]

The stroke-work itself.

 

[sonicboi21]

my first guess is that your whole form is messed up.
if u are strong, you should at least be able to muscle the ball in.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

^ I wouldn't "muscle the ball in".

Without seeing your strokes, I would have to guess. My guess is that your timing and stokes mechanics are probably off. Using an early preparation and a proper kinetic chain should help to improve your stroke mechanics. You should not be trying to generate your power with your shoulder & arm.

When you say all strokes, do you mean both wings (FH & BH) as well as serves & volleys? One hander or 2-hander on the BH side?

 

[sh@de]

Unable to handle pace: Probably because you're prepping and swinging late. When you recognise that the shot hit at you is a hard and fast one, prep and swing a fraction of a second faster than normal.

About generating pace... maybe it's your form like sonic said... I don't know. I need a vid to tell.

 

[Steady Eddy]

Handling pace is completely different from generating pace. To generate pace, (say on serve), requires a long stroke. To handle pace, do the opposite. Make your stroke more compact. If you have to return a big serve, use very little backswing, then you'll have time, and because the ball is coming at you at a fast rate, you don't need much racquet head speed. Same thing with volleys. The ball is in the air, it hasn't hit the ground, (which slows it down alot), so you 'punch' the volley. If you try to swing at it, your backswing will make you late.

In this way I think that handling pace is easier than generating it. I love playing big hitters. They take all the risks, while I just block their shots back. They lose and then they start a thread in here complaining about losing to a pusher.

 

[LeeD]

You are inexperienced.
Just play more often against stronger hitters and you will naturally adapt, prep earlier, watch the ball better, and turn the shoulders earlier and better.

 

[Blake0]

What LeeD says works.

I've played tennis for about 2 1/2 years, and have played against people better then me 75% of the time. Fortunately, for me i was lucky , because even though im on jv, i played against varsity players this whole school year. I got a lot better, playing against them. In the summer last year, i was barely lower jv level, and now i can beat varsity players, because i practiced with them a lot.

 

[Grizvok]

You are inexperienced.
Just play more often against stronger hitters and you will naturally adapt, prep earlier, watch the ball better, and turn the shoulders earlier and better.

I absolutely agree. The same goes with returning against big servers.

You should also get some practice by playing with a friend or teammate who has more of a pusher style of play and use that as practice for developing the ability to generate pace and consistency. I am so solid on the ground that I am one of the only people I know that LOVES playing against pushers. It's awesome to by able to tee off on the ball and send the other guy running every point.

The real keys are EXCELLENT FOOTWORK and a good kinetic chain to develop your power.

Footwork is THE biggest factor when it comes to groundstrokes.

 

[Bud]

I have trouble generating pace on all my shots. I also have trouble handling pace. I am quite strong. What could be the reason? My first guess is footwork.
What do you guys think.

How long have you been playing?

What is your current level?

What is the level of those playing against you?