What is an Overhead in Tennis?
Overhead in tennis is a shot where the player hits the ball when it is higher than the head. It is also known as a smash, and it is a great way to end the point with power and accuracy. Hitting an overhead can be a difficult shot to master but is an essential part of a complete game.
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How to Hit an Overhead in Tennis
To be able to hit an overhead in tennis, players need to learn the correct technique and practice regularly. Here are the steps to follow to hit an overhead in tennis:
1. Get into Position
The first step is to get into the correct position for the shot. The player should be standing side-on to the net, with their feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. The non-dominant hand should be extended out towards the ball.
2. Track the Ball
The player should keep their eyes on the ball from the moment it is hit, tracking it as it moves towards them. The player should also be aware of the trajectory of the ball and the spin it is generating.
3. Move into the Shot
As the ball is approaching, the player should start to move into the shot. This should be done by taking a few short steps towards the ball and then a long stride into the shot. The player should make sure to stay balanced and not rush the shot.
4. Prepare the Racquet
The player should then prepare their racquet for the shot. This should be done by bringing the racquet back with their dominant hand, and then above the shoulder with the other hand. The racquet should be positioned in the dominant hand so that it is facing the ball.
5. Make Contact
When the ball is at the highest point, the player should make contact with the ball by pushing the racquet up and forward. The player should make sure to hit the ball out in front of their body and with the correct follow-through.
6. Finish the Shot
The player should finish the shot by following through and finishing the stroke. The player should make sure to finish with the racquet pointing towards their target and the non-dominant hand extended out.
7. Recover
Once the shot is finished, the player should quickly recover and be ready for the next shot. The player should move back to their original position and be prepared to hit the next shot.
Tips for Hitting an Overhead in Tennis
- Focus on Footwork: Focus on the footwork and make sure to move into the shot with the correct technique.
- Keep the Racquet Face Open: Make sure to keep the racquet face open when hitting the shot to ensure that the ball is hit with power and accuracy.
- Hit Out in Front: Make sure to hit the ball out in front of the body to ensure that the shot is hit with power and accuracy.
- Follow Through: Make sure to follow through with the shot and finish with the racquet pointing towards the target.
- Stay Balanced: Maintain balance throughout the shot and make sure to stay focused on the ball throughout.
Practice Drill for Hitting an Overhead in Tennis
To be able to hit an overhead in tennis, it is important to practice regularly. Here is a simple practice drill that can help players to improve their overhead shot:
1. Wall Drill
This is a simple drill that can be done with a partner. The player should stand a few feet away from a wall and hit the ball against the wall, making sure to hit an overhead shot. The partner should then hit the ball back, and the player should hit an overhead shot again. This drill should be repeated until the player is comfortable with the shot.
2. Ladder Drill
This drill can be done with a tennis ladder. The player should stand at the end of the ladder and hit the ball at different heights, making sure to hit an overhead shot. The player should then move up and down the ladder, hitting the ball at different heights as they move. This drill should be done for a few minutes, and then the player should move to the next shot.
3. Target Drill
This drill can be done with a partner. The player should stand a few feet away from their partner and hit the ball to them. The partner should then hit the ball back, and the player should hit an overhead shot. The player should then hit the ball to their partner, and the partner should hit the ball back. This drill should be done for a few minutes, and then the player should move to the next shot.
Common Mistakes when Hitting an Overhead in Tennis
It is important to be aware of common mistakes when hitting an overhead in tennis. Here are some mistakes players should avoid:
- Poor Footwork: Poor footwork can lead to an inaccurate shot. Make sure to move into the shot with the correct technique.
- Rushing the Shot: Rushing the shot can lead to a loss of balance and an inaccurate shot. Make sure to take your time and stay balanced throughout the shot.
- Not Tracking the Ball: Not tracking the ball can lead to an inaccurate shot. Make sure to keep your eyes on the ball from the moment it is hit.
- Incorrect Racquet Position: An incorrect racquet position can lead to an inaccurate shot. Make sure to keep the racquet face open when hitting the shot.
- Incorrect Follow Through: An incorrect follow through can lead to an inaccurate shot. Make sure to finish with the racquet pointing towards the target.
Conclusion
Hitting an overhead in tennis is a great way to end the point with power and accuracy. To be able to hit an overhead in tennis, players need to learn the correct technique and practice regularly. Players should focus on footwork, keeping the racquet face open, hitting out in front, following through, and staying balanced throughout the shot. It is also important to be aware of common mistakes and practice regularly with different drills. With the correct technique and practice, players can hit an overhead in tennis with power and accuracy.