The Tennis Overhead

The overhead shot in tennis is somewhat related to the serve. The motion can be closely allied to the slice service, the racquet and arm swinging freely from the shoulder, the wrist flexible and the racquet imparting a slight twist to the ball to hold it in court. The beginner tennis player will have the most difficult time with the stroke and will benefit from instruction and drills.

Today, you might see players leaping to hit an overhead. The flare exhibited by these players is nice, but generally you do not need to leap to hit the ball. In the tennis fundamentals of the shot, try to keep at least one foot, and when possible both feet, on the ground in smashing, as it aids in regulating the weight, and gives better balance. Hit flat and decisively to the point if desired.

The best instruction to keep in mind is that it is very important to keep your eye on the ball, otherwise your timing will be off. A lack of confidence will also create errors. This mental handicap can cause a cramped, half-hearted swing.

The tennis overhead, as a tactic, is used more frequently in doubles. In singles the chances of passing the net man are greater than lobbing over his head, while in doubles two men cover the net so easily that the best way to open the court is to lob one man back

Beginners will soon learn that in hitting a overhead, the longest distance is the safest shot since it allows a greater margin of error. Thus hit overheads 'cross court when pressed, but pull your short lobs either side as determined by the man you are playing.

You should try to avoid letting an overhead drop so that you can hit it as a ground stroke. You may be surrendering an offensive position. The more tennis instructions, lessons and practice an individual has, he will avoid this approach.

Chop, Slice, and Drop Shot

Did you know there is a stroke in tennis called a chop shot? We are familiar with the slice and drop shots. The term chop shot may have been popular in the era of Bobby Riggs. :)

The chop stroke is explained in this manner: In Tennis, a chop stroke is a shot where the angle towards the player and behind the racquet, made by the line of flight of the ball, and the racquet traveling down across it, is greater than 45 degrees and may be 90 degrees. The racquet face passes slightly outside the ball and down the side, chopping it, as a man chops wood. The spin and curve is from right to left. It is made with a stiff wrist. Got that?

The slice shot is a shot that is used frequently by many players. In fact, Steffi Graf used a backhand slice very effectively the majority of time. The shot differs from the chop by reducing the angle mentioned from 45 degrees down to a very small one. The racquet face passes either inside or outside the ball, according to direction desired, while the stroke is mainly a wrist twist or slap. This slap imparts a decided skidding break to the ball, while a chop "drags" the ball off the ground without break. Both shots can be employed as defensive measures. A slice deep to the opponent baseline, though, is very effective when attacking the net, if the ball stays low and is penetrating. Both shots are not recommended when trying to pass a player at the net.

The drop-shot is an extremely soft, sharply-angled chop stroke, played with the wrist. It should land within 3 to 5 feet of the net to be effective. The racket face passes around the outside of the ball and under it with a distinct "wrist turn." Avoid swinging the racket from the shoulder. The drop shot has no relation to a stop-volley. The drop shot is all wrist. The stop-volley has no wrist at all.

The tendency in today's tennis is to drive the ball with topspin, although you see the slice with some regularity. The tennis novice should be aware that having a variety of shots in their arsenal will help you win points. It is good tennis fundamentals. Practicing these shots will pay off in match situations.