You know those amazing high tennis shots you see the pros make on TV?
The ones that just barely clear the net and drop down like a feather on the far side of the court?
The ones that make your jaw drop and leave you wondering how in the world they did it?
Well, I’m here to tell you that those shots are not just for the pros anymore. With a little practice, you can make them too!
Why High Tennis Shots?
So why bother with high shots in the first place? Isn’t it enough to just keep the ball in play and let your opponent make the mistakes? Well, yes and no.
While it is true that you don’t want to give your opponent any easy points, there are also times when going for a big shot can pay off in a big way.
- For example, if you’re facing an opponent who likes to come to the net a lot, hitting some higher shots can force them to back up and give you some more space to work with.
- Or, if your opponent is particularly good at getting low balls, then hitting some higher shots can give them fits.
Basically, adding some high shots to your repertoire can be a great way to mix things up and keep your opponents guessing.
How to Hit High Tennis Shorts
Ok, so now that I’ve hopefully convinced you that high shots can be a useful addition to your game, let’s talk about how to actually hit them.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you need to use a lighter grip than you would for most other strokes. A lot of people make the mistake of trying to hit high shots with a really tight grip, but all that does is cause the ball to go sailing long or into the net.
Instead, focus on using a continental or eastern grip and letting your wrist do most of the work. This will help keep the ball nice and light so it has a chance of clearing the net.
Another important tip is to make sure you hit the ball nice and early – as in right after it bounces.
If you wait too long, not only will it be tough to generate enough power, but there’s also a good chance you’ll end up hitting late and popping the ball up into the air instead of keeping it low over the net. But if you can get used to hitting while the ball is still rising, you’ll find that it’s much easier to keep it down.
And finally, don’t forget about the follow through! Just because you’re not going for a huge winner doesn’t mean you shouldn’t finish your swing.
In fact, follow through is even more important on high shots since it will help ensure that the ball doesn’t just float up into the air after clearing the net.
Now, go and practice!
After reading this article, I hope you’ll give high tennis shots a try next time you’re out on the court. They may seem difficult at first, but with a little practice I’m confident you’ll be hitting them like a pro in no time!
Who knows – maybe one day we’ll see YOU making jaw-dropping shot on TV!
