The overhead smash is the killer shot in tennis. This is when you really load-up and go for the winner. If executed properly, the odds of success are greatly in your favor. Let's break the stroke down and examine each part.
Grip. I suggest you use either your service grip (a continental or hammer grip) or an eastern forehand grip. Don't use your backcourt semi-western forehand grip. Keep your grip nice and loose, just like on the serve.
Movement. As soon as you see that your opponent is going to lob, turn side ways to the net by placing your hitting side foot behind your other foot, at about shoulder width. From this perpendicular-to-the-net stance, side-step into position beneath the ball. Remain in this sideways position throughout the stroke.
Positioning. Position yourself under the ball as if you were either going to catch it in front of you and above your head with your non-hitting hand (like a baseball player); or, as if you were going to give the ball a soccer-like header. Use small adjusting steps while remaining sideways to the net to get in position properly under the ball.
Tracking. Many players point to the ball while it is in the air with their non-hitting arm. This keeps you more-or-less sideways to the net and keeps your head up. The problem is that you can point and still have your shoulders square to the net, and this is a big No-No. I find that sighting the ball through the crook of your upraised elbow works better. You are not really pointing at the ball this way, but it keeps your shoulders more fully sideways throughout the stroke.
Form. The physical form you want as you are under the ball getting ready to strike it is very similar to the end-of-the-backswing form of the serve. Your non-hitting arm is extended up in the air (as if you had just tossed the ball for your serve); shoulders are sideways to the net; hitting arm is bent at the elbow at 90 degrees, with the back of the upper arm parallel to the court surface and your elbow pointing toward the back fence; and racquet extended almost straight up in the air, over your head. Your weight is on your back foot and the knees are slightly bent. The image you want is that you are going to throw your racquet over the net (see my earlier articles on the serve).
The Swing. From the hitting position described in the paragraph above, simply shift your weight forward, push off the ground, and begin your swing. As on the serve, swing up at the ball, striking it slightly in front of you, so you are leaning in toward the net at contact. Hitting up on your swing puts topspin on the ball, assisting net clearance, and keeping the ball in the court. Your hitting arm at contact should be fully extended over your head, meaning that you strike the ball about 3 feet or so above your head. If you don't hit the ball at this height, you can't generate topspin and you are likely to pull the ball down into the net.
Power. Unlike a service toss a lobbed ball already has pace on it as it descends, so you don't need to generate a lot of your own power. A smooth, well-timed swing will send the ball back across the net with plenty of pace. However, if you want to generate more power on the overhead, relax your grip and/or cock your wrist a little to drop your racquet head toward your back. Don't drop it too far behind you or your swing will be late. Much of your power will come from your shoulder and arm, so be sure to accelerate through your swing if you want more pace. Also, don't try to cut the ball or put slice spin on it like your serve. This will reduce the power of your overhead.
Errors. There are 3 common reasons for unsuccessful overheads: failure to stay sideways to the net and to keep the head up throughout the stroke; failure to hit the ball at least three feet above the head; and failure to move the feet and adjust under the ball so as to hit it slightly in front of you (instead of behind your head). I should also add overhitting. Remember, with the overhead like most shots in tennis, placement is more important than power. By lobbing, your opponent has already admitted to a defensive position. If you try to murder the overhead, your form is likely to suffer and you will make an error. Match the effort to the task.
Review of good overheads:
Assume the correct form and position under the ball.
Keep your feet moving.
Stay sideways.
Hit up on the ball.
Smile. You just hit a winner!
© RCCummings – All Rights Reserved 2006
No copying, reproduction, or redistribution without expressed written consent.
|