Tag: overhead

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The Overhead part 2

Last week we talked about footwork and preparation for the overhead. This week we exam the options based on what type of lob you’re given. 

  1. A high and short lob that drops straight down – let the ball bounce and use your quick feet to get in position to hit an angled overhead put away
  2. A looping/topspin lob that’s also short – take this ball out of the air, if it bounces you may not catch it
  3. A well hit lob going over your head – just try to get under it enough to tap the ball back deep and stay in the point, or if you are athletic – jump and hit the overhead a la Pete Sampras
  4. A very deep, high lob – let the ball bounce, move into position and hit a slice overhead similar to a serve, or even hit an aggressive ground stroke to gain control of the point

 Fast feet, early preparation, and proper shot selection will improve your overhead. As a matter of fact, those 3 things will improve pretty much every shot in tennis.

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The Overhead

 Do you find yourself hitting the overhead late, and therefore, out? Preparation and shot choice make all the difference in a successful overhead. Today we look at preparation.

  •  Footwork is the first key to executing the overhead. Move your feet quickly, with short adjustment steps to get into position to hit the ball.
  •  Turn your body sideways and move with shuffle steps, or grapevine steps for longer distances. 
  • Point at the incoming ball with your opposite hand and get your racket in the ready position..like you are scratching your back with it.
  • Just like the serve, reach up to hit the ball, don’t pull your head down.

 Practice fast feet and early preparation to improve your overhead. Next time we’ll make more overhead improvements with shot selection based on the lob.