Can you help me be a better tennis player??

Question

I'm joining the tennis team for the second year in a row.

Last year, I was sort of a beginner at tennis, and i was really rusty. I've improved since then.

My problem is that I lob the ball or hit it so that it goes out. I want that to stop and I want to know how i can do a downward direct shot. I learned how to roll with the racket so that the ball has a topspin, but i sometimes have trouble doing that during a game.

Also, when i hit my backhands, most of the time the ball goes out. How can I improve my backhand??

Please help! i need pointers!

Answer 1

Its just been two years since you've been playing tennis right? Backhands and topspins are really tough to hit, and need loads of practise to ace them! There's no theory to stop the ball from going OUT. All you need to do is practise practise PRACTISE! Get some online tips or work with a trainer. Good luck!

Answer 2

close your racquet face more

with your backhand, have more of a follow through and rotate your upper body

Answer 3

learn to slice  

Answer 4

Well the last thing you want to do is hit a downward direct shot.  The only time you want to do that is volley/overheads.  Groundstrokes should never be going down.  You already know the answer to your problems:  topspin.  Topspins makes the ball go up over the net and down into the court.  I know its hard but you just need to keep at it until you get it.  If you start hitting down on the ball, you will hit it in the net more often then not, and missing it in the net is much more difficult to fix than hitting it long.

As for the backhand, there are some other common mistakes people make that make the ball go out.  One is opening up the raquet face as you hit the ball, be aware of that.  Another is falling back as you hit.  Make sure your weight is going into the court as you hit the ball rather than falling away from it.  This mainly happens when your opponent hits you a deep ball, so when this happens make sure you get pretty far back so you can still be moving forward as you hit.

Answer 5

Like all sports "practice makes perfect". I suggest you get as much practice as possible & when playing, try to watch the ball as closely as possible onto your tennis racket. The secret to all contact ball sports is to watch the ball. This may seem like a simple suggestion, but its crucial when playing tennis.

Cheers !