Tip of the Week: React To a Slow Ball With Your Feet

August 19, 2021 | By Steve Annacone
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When your opponent hits the ball to you at a high speed, your reactions need to be fast. You turn your shoulders, get your feet to the ball, and swing. If a ball is hit to you at a slower speed, the tendency is to get ready slower and also to have less of a sense of urgency to move your feet.

It is very important to move your feet more when a ball is hit with less pace. In order to generate your own pace on the softer ball your position needs to be very good and your weight should be going forward towards your target. It is very easy to over hit a slower ball if you are not using your feet well. Challenge yourself to get to the slower ball as quickly as possible and take a few adjusting steps once you are close to the position you would like to be in.  Make your last step hit the ground right as your racquet is making contact with the ball.

Keep reminding yourself to emphasize moving your feet while keeping the swing nice and smooth. This will generate a good pace shot and allow you to be very accurate with the direction and the placement of your shot. 

 


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