Tennis is a sport where players must hit the ball across the net and onto the other side of the court. Hitting a sitter is a skill that every tennis player should have in their arsenal. A sitter is a ball that stays low and close to the net after it has been hit. It is a difficult shot to hit because it requires great precision and timing. In this article, we will discuss how to hit a sitter in tennis.
What Is a Sitter?
A sitter is a tennis shot that has been hit with enough spin and power to keep the ball low and close to the net. The player must be able to keep the ball low and close to the net in order for it to be considered a sitter. The sitter is a great shot for players who are looking for control and accuracy. It is not an easy shot to hit because it requires perfect timing and precision.
Why Hit a Sitter?
Hitting a sitter can be a great tool for players who are looking for control and accuracy. It is also a great way to surprise the opponent and catch them off guard. The sitter can be used to set up a powerful shot or move the opponent around the court. Another benefit of the sitter is that it can be used to put pressure on the opponent and force them to make a mistake.
Preparation For a Sitter
Before attempting to hit a sitter, it is important to be adequately prepared. The player should be in their ready position with their feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, and arms extended. It is also important to have your racket back and ready to hit the ball. Additionally, the player should focus on the ball and be prepared to adjust their body position and racket angle to hit the ball.
Stance and Grip
When hitting a sitter, it is important to have the correct stance and grip. The player should have an open stance with their feet slightly more than shoulder width apart. The player should also use an open racket face and an eastern backhand grip. This grip will allow the player to generate spin and control the ball.
Timing and Contact Point
The timing and contact point are the most important aspects of hitting a sitter. The player should be prepared to hit the ball as soon as it reaches the highest point in its trajectory. The player should also make contact with the ball in the center of the racket face and slightly in front of their body. This will help the player generate enough spin to keep the ball low and close to the net.
Follow Through and Recovery
Once the ball has been hit, the player should follow through with their racket and continue to move forward. The player should then recover and be prepared to hit the next shot. The follow through and recovery are important steps in hitting a sitter because they help the player maintain balance and prepare for the next shot.
Practice Drills
In order to become proficient at hitting a sitter, it is important to practice. Here are some drills that can help improve your sitter:
- Ball Toss: Toss the ball into the air and hit it at the highest point.
- Racket Toss: Toss the racket up and hit the ball with the racket at the highest point.
- Groundstrokes: Practice hitting groundstrokes with a partner. Increase the difficulty by having the partner hit the ball low and close to the net.
- Target Practice: Set up a target on the net and practice hitting sitters that land in or near the target.
Tips for Hitting a Sitter
Here are some tips for hitting a sitter:
- Keep your body relaxed and your movements smooth.
- Make contact with the ball in the center of the racket face.
- Focus on the ball and be prepared to adjust your body position.
- Generate spin by using an open racket face and an eastern backhand grip.
- Use your follow through to help generate spin and keep the ball low.
Common Mistakes
In order to hit a successful sitter, it is important to avoid the following mistakes:
- Rushing the shot and not allowing the ball to reach its highest point.
- Not using an open racket face and an eastern backhand grip.
- Making contact with the ball too early or too late.
- Not using the follow through to help generate spin.
- Not adjusting your body position to hit the ball.
Conclusion
Hitting a sitter is a difficult shot to master, but it is an important skill for every tennis player to have in their arsenal. It can be used to surprise the opponent and put pressure on them. In order to hit a successful sitter, it is important to have the correct stance and grip, timing and contact point, and follow through and recovery. Additionally, it is important to practice and avoid the common mistakes. With enough practice and dedication, anyone can learn to hit a sitter and become a better tennis player.