Improvement against faster balls

Dear PingSkills,

In rallies with an intermediate player, I find I am able to return the ball relatively accurately with moderate spin and speed.

However, I noticed when I rally with a stronger player, the balls I get from the player are a little faster and lower, and I struggle to return the balls with the same quality as when rallying with the first player. I tend to be blocking some of the shots.

Does the progression of skill level in my case means to get to the level where I could return the ball with the same quality against the stronger player also? If so, what is a good way to train the improve to this level?

Regards,

Kenneth

HI Kenneth,

This is a natural progression of skills as you get used to the ball travelling faster.

In your training session get your training partner to start to hit the ball faster even if it is for a shorter amount of time.  You can also do this with Multi-ball.  This will start to get you used to reacting a little faster to the ball.  I find initially it is about being comfortable and not panicking when the ball comes faster.  Our natural reaction when we see something new or more difficult is to tighten up.  The more you see the ball at that speed the more relaxed you can remain when the ball is coming to you.