TTT #9: Smaggressive Passing Shots
There's a double post today, the update of the Monday Morning Match Memory is done, so check that out below if you please. It's about the fabulously awesome Penn match.
Now, to the tennis tip...
Passing shots are, like, every players dream. It is an invitation to hit the ball as hard as you can, watch it fly past your opponent for an amazing winner, then jump and pump your fist and scream "c'mon" like one Luke Hostetter. But unfortunately, you shouldn't actually hit it as hard as you can. And you shouldn't always try for the amazing winner.
But you should pump your fist and yell if it does go in.
And you know what else you should do? Come forward. Come forward and prepare yourself for the volley that could (and probably is) coming in return. So let's look at proper, smaggressive passing shot form.
1. Proper shot preparation is necessary. Too often we want to rush the passing shot because we feel the glory rushing through our veins. This best way to hit a winner is to hit your best normal shot with good placement, and to do this it takes proper footwork and racket preparation.
2. Pick your shot location. A quick look at your opponent should tell you whether you've got more room down the line or crosscourt. Pick your spot and hit it. If your opponent shifts, good for him. You don't worry about that after you've hit the shot. The goal of a passing shot is to put your opponent in a bad spot. Too many people want so badly to hit a winner that they hit a bad shot instead. It's much better to get beat on a volley winner than an error. So pick your shot and hit it confidently.
3. Prepare yourself for your opponent's volley. MOVE TOWARD THE NET. Volleys are typically dropped short, either on purpose or not. So if your opponent does get to your passing shot, he will probably hit it in front of you. I've seen too many times where we then get caught reaching for the short ball. Move forward, split step, and be ready to hit another good shot.
That's it. Luke pointed this issue out, so credit where credit is due. Thanks Luke, and feel free to add more advice to this simple sequence anyone!
Another little strategy i like to employ every once in a while is that if their shot is an approach shot, just spin the ball to their feet because they will not have as good of balance when they're moving forward, then when they're hugging the net and you have an easier ball, hit the pass...trust me, it works.
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