The two foot putts of tennis. These
are the ones that make you want to chuck your racket in the woods, with full
rotation and distance.
In basketball it's the lay-up. In football it's the extra point after it's the touchdown. In soccer it's the free kick. Sometimes we tend to focus our attention on the big shots in tennis: the ace, the groundstroke winners, the low volley, etc. What are the easy shots in tennis? When and where on the court do they show up? What are the two foot putts for tennis? I've given it some thought and here are few examples.
First is the first serve. What is your first serve percentage? If you get more first serves in you put more pressure on your opponent. Psychologically the receiver does not think attack on the first serve unless you're serving jelly beans. You'll win more points because your opponent does not start off from a position of control. You are working the point. You are making the decision to go to work instead of hoping for a free point by throwing all out on the first and getting a no-return.
Another easy play is to attack the weak second serve of your opponent or at least return a neutral ball; if you return a ball that puts you on the hook or worse makes an error then you are giving your opponent a free point on his/her "b" game. It's almost worth two points for the opponent because they didn't earn it; they don't have to recover (stop for gas), and; you lost an opportunity for a point you should at least be equal or plus in control. If that does happen, roll up your sleeves and get back to work. If you have the puck on your stick in front of the net, weak glove hand exposed, take the shot. If not now, when?
The short overhead is another one, probably the least practiced shot in the sport, right next to short net chords. I've seen accomplished players completely fan this shot. This needs as much attention as the two foot putt. You need to hit plenty in practice regularly. It is a shot hit above the shoulders but too low to be strictly classified as an overhead and too high to be classified as a volley, worse, it may- be knuckling in the wind, hack-nubbed, or both. You have to take your time, adjust your feet, shorten swing, lower yourself, and make the shot (swing volley, placement volley, or adjusted overhead motion) with a great placement. This is classified in the finishing game. We all know that you only get “x” amount of chances to score. This is one you can’t miss.
Hitting net chords that land short to the net with off pace at any height of bounce are often sent by the retriever out or in the net because of one simple emotion--excitement. First, realize that you must not error here. Your opponent has given you an opportunity. Competition between those players of the same species (level of play) is fiercest. You have to adapt quickly to the opportunity ball presented and take advantage by making the percentage play (within your level as you've rehearsed through practice). It isn't necessary to say where the ball should be placed (often deep through the middle is over-looked, as this cuts down your opponent's angles and keeps you in front of the ball) because that depends on your level, the ball height, your ability and position of your opponent when your opportunity ball is presented.
Another two foot putt is the "sitting duck volley" located close net. If it is above the net get there early, load your drive leg behind the ball and move through the shot without breaking your wrist. Use an even square and hit through the ball crisp and with pop. Do not attempt a drop shot, fancy slice, or slap it with a tilting back and then tilt down forward motion. If you attempt a drop it is easier to miss on a higher ball and your opponent has more time to react to the shot. If you slap it early your shot ends in the bottom of the net, if late you’ll hit the back fence. The strike zone is limited on a slap. The best thing to do on the duck is shoot it down with a crisp volley placement located at prime real estate with strength (sensible) and direction. That will finish the point or at least set up another easy put away.
Hopefully you'll win the Snickers bar and not lay awake wondering: how did I miss that shot? I had all day on that play, it was so easy. Remember, they’re easy if you practice them!
In basketball it's the lay-up. In football it's the extra point after it's the touchdown. In soccer it's the free kick. Sometimes we tend to focus our attention on the big shots in tennis: the ace, the groundstroke winners, the low volley, etc. What are the easy shots in tennis? When and where on the court do they show up? What are the two foot putts for tennis? I've given it some thought and here are few examples.
First is the first serve. What is your first serve percentage? If you get more first serves in you put more pressure on your opponent. Psychologically the receiver does not think attack on the first serve unless you're serving jelly beans. You'll win more points because your opponent does not start off from a position of control. You are working the point. You are making the decision to go to work instead of hoping for a free point by throwing all out on the first and getting a no-return.
Another easy play is to attack the weak second serve of your opponent or at least return a neutral ball; if you return a ball that puts you on the hook or worse makes an error then you are giving your opponent a free point on his/her "b" game. It's almost worth two points for the opponent because they didn't earn it; they don't have to recover (stop for gas), and; you lost an opportunity for a point you should at least be equal or plus in control. If that does happen, roll up your sleeves and get back to work. If you have the puck on your stick in front of the net, weak glove hand exposed, take the shot. If not now, when?
The short overhead is another one, probably the least practiced shot in the sport, right next to short net chords. I've seen accomplished players completely fan this shot. This needs as much attention as the two foot putt. You need to hit plenty in practice regularly. It is a shot hit above the shoulders but too low to be strictly classified as an overhead and too high to be classified as a volley, worse, it may- be knuckling in the wind, hack-nubbed, or both. You have to take your time, adjust your feet, shorten swing, lower yourself, and make the shot (swing volley, placement volley, or adjusted overhead motion) with a great placement. This is classified in the finishing game. We all know that you only get “x” amount of chances to score. This is one you can’t miss.
Hitting net chords that land short to the net with off pace at any height of bounce are often sent by the retriever out or in the net because of one simple emotion--excitement. First, realize that you must not error here. Your opponent has given you an opportunity. Competition between those players of the same species (level of play) is fiercest. You have to adapt quickly to the opportunity ball presented and take advantage by making the percentage play (within your level as you've rehearsed through practice). It isn't necessary to say where the ball should be placed (often deep through the middle is over-looked, as this cuts down your opponent's angles and keeps you in front of the ball) because that depends on your level, the ball height, your ability and position of your opponent when your opportunity ball is presented.
Another two foot putt is the "sitting duck volley" located close net. If it is above the net get there early, load your drive leg behind the ball and move through the shot without breaking your wrist. Use an even square and hit through the ball crisp and with pop. Do not attempt a drop shot, fancy slice, or slap it with a tilting back and then tilt down forward motion. If you attempt a drop it is easier to miss on a higher ball and your opponent has more time to react to the shot. If you slap it early your shot ends in the bottom of the net, if late you’ll hit the back fence. The strike zone is limited on a slap. The best thing to do on the duck is shoot it down with a crisp volley placement located at prime real estate with strength (sensible) and direction. That will finish the point or at least set up another easy put away.
Hopefully you'll win the Snickers bar and not lay awake wondering: how did I miss that shot? I had all day on that play, it was so easy. Remember, they’re easy if you practice them!
