I know that a good understanding of what should be the next logical shot is probably the most important thing. For example if you at the net and you cover the pass down the line, then the next logical shot is a cross court pass or lob. If you are stretched out wide to the forehand side, the next shot from your opponent should to your backhand side most of the time. But are there any physical tip offs, like the use of the off hand or the foot position or angle of shoulder to look for..especially on ground strokes. I ask this because I do realize that this skill, if mastered, would improve defense as well as offense...you get to more balls and quickly enough to make more attacking shots.
2007-03-17 08:24:32 · 3 answers · asked by me 1 in Sports ➔ Tennis
I have been a college coach and one of the things we stress is read and recognition to develop a players anticipation skills. The keys in this area is 1. the takeback of your opponents racket. 2. the shoulders (opening them before the start of the swing indicates crosscourt, opening them later near the point of contact indicates down the line.) 3. Reading the hips are also important, is a player firing his hips into the shot like on a serve, or is he turning on his pivot foot creating an angle before firing. The feet also play some role in recogninzing the balance of your opponent. If all his weight is on his back foot, chances are he is going to loop the ball with more arc. If he is not transfering his weight onto his front foot through the stroke you can come in on his groundstrokes, especially if your ball has sufficient depth. The things I have listed should serve most players as a good starting point for learning how to read shots. If you need even more help you can contact me through email, or if you are in Northern CA you can get a lesson from me directly.
2007-03-17 19:24:49 · answer #1 · answered by antiochtennis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The angle at which he is going for the ball. If the opponent is going to go for an inside out forehand, then you have to be prepared for a very powerful, very sharp cross court ground stroke. However, most of it is instinct. You are on the right track when you are stating what the most likely spots they are going to put the balls are. It is hard to hit a down the line shot if they person hit a sharp cross court, but it is not impossible. It really takes a lot of practice.
2007-03-17 16:59:19 · answer #2 · answered by rakitwhore007 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look at how they finish the hit
2007-03-17 23:55:01 · answer #3 · answered by Josh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋