WHAT TO FOCUS ON to hit good paced shots??

[user92626]

Assuming you have control, timing of the ball, proper footwork and correct set up, what do you keep your focus on to hit good, pacey shots?

So far I tried to focus on 2 things: hitting hard directly behind the ball and aiming to clear the net closely (within 2 feets) but results were mixed and not very satisfactory.

 

[LeeD]

For me, consistent posture and never giving up ground. Stand in to hit, full stroke and followtru..

 

[user92626]

For me, consistent posture and never giving up ground. Stand in to hit, full stroke and followtru..

well, i did all that and i just have ...an average fh. In fact I'm tired of so called CONSISTENCY. Yesterday I played against a friend who started tennis at the same time and I went for consistency and we had so many long and tiring rallies. Basically our ability to retrieve ball just overwhelms out stroke skills and if anyone went beyond his skill, he'd lose.

Now I want to improve toward winning-type shots.

 

[theZig]

If you've got all the fundamentals; swingspeed. That's about it. If not, get your form tweaked, but in the end it all comes down to swingspeed.

 

[ronalditop]

i just focus on watching the ball all the way from the moment it leaves the oponnents racquet.

 

[chess9]

There's an old saying for runners: "If you want to run fast, you have to run fast."

-Robert

 

[chess9]

You will never hit hard if you are afraid of losing!

Losing is winning!

-Robert

 

[Slicendicer]

Assuming you have control, timing of the ball, proper footwork and correct set up, what do you keep your focus on to hit good, pacey shots?

So far I tried to focus on 2 things: hitting hard directly behind the ball and aiming to clear the net closely (within 2 feets) but results were mixed and not very satisfactory.

timing, footwork, set-up... select a target... eye on the ball... thats it.

 

[tudwell]

The only things I ever try to consciously think about are shoulder rotation (from my left shoulder under my chin to my right) and keeping my head still (and my eyes locked on the point of contact). When I do those, I hit a lot harder (and a lot cleaner) than when I just try to wail at the ball. And I don't even feel like I'm swinging very fast or trying very hard.

 

[maverick66]

i played a very top spin heavy grinding game and always thought hit like a spainish player.

 

[jmjmkim]

I think you're thinking in terms of hard and flash, which is a "Flat" ball. These work best cross court (lowest net clearance, longest landing runway). Make sure the ball is higher than waist level for a good percentage.

 

[mtommer]

Chess9,

If that's you in your avatar, what's the steed?

 

[user92626]

Let me ask you guys:

Is it even possible to have a split second earlier than the timing that you already feel natural to?

I mean the kind of "early" timing that you'd feel like you already have the racket back and you just need to swing forward as the ball comes, much like baseball? I imagine that'd the best timing, no?

 

[phoenicks]

Assuming you have control, timing of the ball, proper footwork and correct set up, what do you keep your focus on to hit good, pacey shots?

So far I tried to focus on 2 things: hitting hard directly behind the ball and aiming to clear the net closely (within 2 feets) but results were mixed and not very satisfactory.

you pretty much have most of the ingredient of a good paced shot here, if there's still anything to add on, I think it would be the ability to relax, faster racquet head speed, and good body rotation.

 

[Jay_The_Nomad]

continue perfecting your stroke mechanics.

with a better stroke, it becomes easier to generate faster racket head speed.

add a bit of looseness to your arms and shoulders when you swing.. just a little. That would help you increase racket head speed.

 

[jules2]

I concentrate on accelerating through the contact zone such that the racquet ends up round my waist/shoulder. Also, for extra winner-shot pace, step through the contact zone or hop through it a la Federer.

 

[split-step]

Let me ask you guys:

Is it even possible to have a split second earlier than the timing that you already feel natural to?

I mean the kind of "early" timing that you'd feel like you already have the racket back and you just need to swing forward as the ball comes, much like baseball? I imagine that'd the best timing, no?

With VERY good fitness, good footwork patterns and alertness yes you can.

 

[Sephiroth_FFVII]

After everything you have already accomplished, the only things to add are:

Eye on the ball + racquet head speed + swing through the ball = flatter shot with lots of pace on it.

 

[user92626]

Jay, I basically am doing what you said -- perfecting my stroke mechanics. But that's overly general. I want to take my fh to the next level with specific things.

I don't think fitness is an issue as I and the guys never play to the extent that tests fitness.

jules, what you said is interesting. Last weekend I tried just that. I started at normal speed and carefully accelerated the speed as the racket meeting the ball. That felt like pushing the ball really fast. hehe. Not sure if that's the way to go.

Watching Nadal's clips, I think he just slaps / whips the ball fast from begining to end.

 

[Bud]

Assuming you have control, timing of the ball, proper footwork and correct set up, what do you keep your focus on to hit good, pacey shots?

So far I tried to focus on 2 things: hitting hard directly behind the ball and aiming to clear the net closely (within 2 feets) but results were mixed and not very satisfactory.

For me, consistent posture and never giving up ground. Stand in to hit, full stroke and followtru..

Agreed!

Make sure you're moving forward when striking the ball. If you're leaning backward or end up on the back foot after striking the ball... you're losing a ton of energy that could be going into the ball. Forward momentum is the key to powerful shots.

 

[Bud]

You will never hit hard if you are afraid of losing!

Losing is winning!

-Robert

Another good point. When you're playing practice sets with your friends experiment around and don't be reticent to give the ball some pace. If you lose, so what. You'll improve using this method.

One thing... is that if you're making errors in practice... be sure it's from balls going long or wide. If they are going into the middle of the net... your technique needs some work.

 

[jules2]

jules, what you said is interesting. Last weekend I tried just that. I started at normal speed and carefully accelerated the speed as the racket meeting the ball. That felt like pushing the ball really fast. hehe. Not sure if that's the way to go.

Watching Nadal's clips, I think he just slaps / whips the ball fast from begining to end.

I sometimes get that pushing feeling if I'm a bit tense. If you relax and let your arm get a bit loose (or more specifically, your wrist), your racquet will initially drag, then whip past your body creating massive acceleration through the contact zone with very little physical effort. When I'm hitting the ball hardest I feel like I'm not trying, yet I get that satisfying "thwap" sound as I strike the ball. Try it, it's good!

 

[Caloi]

How's your net game?

 

[cliff]

In order to hit the ball harder you need to increase the speed the racket moves through the hitting zone. You can do this by using great technique. Use the kinetic chain ie driving from the ground and using the trunk and arm body segments in the right order.
have a look at some video clips of the pros check out tennisone or tennisplayer or for FREE www.procomparetennis.net and see how the pros extend through the hitting zone. The length they stay in it (hitting zone= all the time the racket is pointing towards the target) often is close to 1 metre.

 

[breek1]

Assuming you have control, timing of the ball, proper footwork and correct set up, what do you keep your focus on to hit good, pacey shots?

So far I tried to focus on 2 things: hitting hard directly behind the ball and aiming to clear the net closely (within 2 feets) but results were mixed and not very satisfactory.

to tell you the truth all i do is either step back or move foward, prepare sooner than usual, and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS keep your eye on the ball through out the whole entire shot like Federer.