In today's lesson, we'll explore the technique of seizing opportunities to hit your forehands and backhands early or on the rise. This approach is highly effective for generating power, enhancing your offensive strategy, and putting pressure on your opponent by taking time away from them.
Of course, in tennis, we're restricted to only one bounce or none at all. Nevertheless, this drill serves as an excellent practice method to work on the correct timing of taking the ball on the rise. The advantage lies in the fact that when the ball rises off the second bounce, it does so a bit slower compared to the first, making it more manageable to time, especially for those new to this technique.
Observe the spacing between Cookie's feet. This positioning allows him to fully leverage his leg power as he launches into the shot. Notice how he intercepts the ball at its peak, commonly referred to as the apex-a key moment when aiming to take the ball early. As we progress to the final phase, note the complete rotation of hips and shoulders, with his feet now slightly closer together. This adjustment signifies the successful transfer of weight onto the leading foot, in this instance, his left foot for the forehand.
Now, we're onto racket feeding, the last of the three feed types before we transition to point play. I'm emphasizing the importance of initiating his preparation early. As soon as you anticipate a relatively high bounce and the chance to strike the ball on the rise, start your swing preparation. This ensures you're primed to make contact swiftly as the ball enters your strike zone.
Next, we replicate the process on the backhand side.
It's worth mentioning a drawback of the two bounce drill: it often results in hitting the ball at a lower height than ideal. When you aim to advance up the court and take the ball early, the goal is to make contact slightly higher than waist height, and sometimes even at shoulder height if you're positioned further up the court. Nonetheless, despite this limitation, it remains a great method for honing early timing skills when hitting on the rise.
I'd like to emphasize a final point: reading the ball accurately is super important when aiming to take shots early. Before initiating your backswing, it's essential to anticipate the ball's trajectory early, facilitating quick movement and optimal positioning. Pay close attention to your footwork, ensuring you position yourself slightly closer to the ball's bounce than usual. Consistent practice is key. During your next session on the court, challenge yourself to remain inside the baseline throughout. This will compel you to practice seizing the ball early more frequently.
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29 сен 2024