how do you handle short balls in tennis?

Question

I'm only 12; I'm not very strong

Answer 1

For short balls, take total control of the ball and send it down the line and continue going to the net. If done correctly, your opponent should just spew up a dinky little shot, where you can finish it off with a volley.

A strong approach shot like that is essential for your tennis game. Improve your fitness and your strength, so you can hit those balls harder.

Answer 2

If we're assuming you mean shots that barely make it over the net and/or require you to run in quickly to retrieve them (like a drop shot), then the keys are quickness and preparation. Your not being very strong is less important because you probably shouldn't be taking a big strong swing on these kinds of shots anyway (unless they're high sitters that you can put away). You need quickness because you want to get to the ball, get prepared, and hit the ball at the highest comfortable point you can. The higher your contact point, the better angle you have to hit the ball flatter and perhaps hit a winner. If you're stuck hitting the ball below your knees, you'll have to hit up to get it over the net, and that makes your preparation key. When you're running to the ball, if it looks like you're going to have a low contact point, choke up a little on your racket to give yourself extra raquet head control - with just a little practice, you'll find this makes hitting the necessary topspin easier. Tactically, you almost always want to try to hit the ball as deep into the court as you can; it will give you time to set up at the net, and your opponent's chances of passing you from behind the baseline are much slimmer than if you try riskier shots that bring them in closer to you. Good luck!

Answer 3

Could you be more specific? Short ball as in low bounce or short ball as in very short just by the net? For low bouncing balls, I usually just slice it back. I'm not the fastest player so I cannot really get to the ball that quick and set up. If the ball itself is pretty close to the net, I usually just guide it in and make the guy run for it towards the net too. If the guy is guarding the net, well it's a toss up....either guide the ball in down the line or cross court and pray the other guy guesses wrong.

Answer 4

The question is too vague. Are we talking about a short low ball or short high ball??? They are very different. If it's a short high ball just hit the crap out of the ball with your best stroke (forehand or backhand). If it's a short and low ball, hit it deep to your opponents weaker side - if your net game is decent, then follow to the net...

Answer 5

Short Balls r very difficult.... u may b sayin tah balls which r low... u jus need to either whck it or simply chop the ball so it may b a drop...if u r sayin about short balls u can easily watch the opponent n place the balls.... if u really wanna improve watch Martina HINGIS play bcs she is my idol along with guillermo coria...

Answer 6

run up to the tennis ball, stop and stroke. Make sure you don't touch the net.

Answer 7

control your return deep down the line into the corner on backhand and forehand sides. where possible take a volley.

Answer 8

Roll your wrist a bit more on the forehand, learn to slice or chip your backhand.

Answer 9

if your talking about short bounce height...just swing low to loft it up
if your talking about short distance...run up to the net and volley with no swing