Third ball attack off slower balls

Philip Samuel Asked 4 days ago

When my opponent returns my serve passively (slowish ball), I struggle to attack it with speed. Somehow, I find it difficult to generate speed or power against slow balls.  I am OK when I get a fast return. Can you please advise what I should work on to develop speed/power against passive shortish/half long balls. Thanks.

Alois Rosario Answered 2 days ago

Hi Philip,

This type of ball can be awkward to deal with.  It is the same reason that they use slow bowlers in cricket, because it is difficult to generate speed of a slower ball.

I think the better thing is to put focus on placement and spin variation off these types of balls.  Of course if you can get into a good position and a big swing at the ball you can also add more speed.

For speed, think about staying quite relaxed through your ark and shoulder in particular so that you can allow the racket to swing through as fast as possible.

If you are generating more spin, focus os still getting a quick racket head speed so that you can brush the ball fast and get the ball rotating quickly.

Placement is also key.  Work on finding an awkward position for your opponent.  You can also play around with height over the net.  In general keeping it low is preferable however, sometimes throwing the ball up a bit higher can be more difficult, especially if it is something you haven't given them often.

Play around with these options and see if you have some success.