Tip of the Week: Use the Early Direction to Deal With Your Opponent’s Power

February 17, 2021 | By Steve Annacone
GettyImages-1002065312_crop
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

 

The power game has definitely become the most popular way for the modern player to win a point. Players are relying on the speed of the shot more and more to hit a winner or cause an error.

If you are playing against a hard hitter, try to remind yourself to hit your shots in the early direction. This means hitting right handed forehands towards the deuce side of the court and backhands towards the ad side of the court.

This would be the opposite for left handers. The idea promotes early preparation, quick movement to the ball, and early contact. All of this will help you handle the opponent’s ball that gets to you quickly.

Keep in mind that hitting the ball late is one of the most common cause of errors at all levels of the game. The early direction idea can limit these errors and also create some great shots with angle, all while using your opponent’s pace. You can remind yourself of this idea before the point starts and also eliminate many of the decision making errors that occur in the heat of the match.

Remember to think early direction to negate the effects of your opponent’s shots hit at a fast speed.

 


Steve Annacone
Steve Annacone, USPTA Elite Pro, is the Director of Annacone Tennis, www.annaconetennis.com and MyHamptonsPro, www.myhamptonspro.com throughout the Hamptons, NY. In addition, Steve, Phil Lepisto, and Amanda Reller run the ACT (Advanced Competition Team) program at the Tucson Jewish Community Center (Tucson, AZ) for high level players ages 8-18. Please contact Steve at info@annaconetennis.com
Bethpage
Oneononedoubles banner art resize

March/April 2024 Digital Edition