Tennis Tip; Overhead

Do you love hitting overheads? Do you dread hitting overheads? Do you
practice hitting overheads?

If you are like most players, we take this shot for granted. Hitting
overheads is difficult with timing and movement being the keys. This
tennis tip focuses on the keys to hitting good overheads.

Tip one- Getting under the ball.
Positioning yourself to hit the overhead is the Achilles heal of most
tennis players. Here are a couple keys to moving into position for the
overhead.
First, turn sideways. Turning sideways allows you to move easier going
backwards. Try keeping both hands down while moving, this giving you
better balance. Another approach is to take both hands up as this gives
you better timing. Either way, turning sideways as the ball goes up allows
you to move better to the ball. Find your hitting zone under the ball.
Think of a soccer player trying to 'head' the ball - don't let the ball
get behind you!

Tip two- The swing.
Try using your non-hitting hand to track the ball. Pointing at the ball
allows you to track the path of the ball - leaving the left hand up keeps
your shoulder from dropping and your head on the ball. On every overhead,
you need to swing through the ball. If you are close to the net, use your
wrist to snap the ball down into the court. If you are deep in the court,
try spinning the ball into the court, like a serve.
With any shot, the biggest key is PRACTICE! You must practice this
shot to master it. As always, if you need help, let me know - I'd love to
help.

Have fun.....Bill

                                                                     Kurt, Ana, Denny, and Bill