My tennis stroke timing is off...help?

Question

I find that, while my strokes seem to be technically sound, they are severally mistimed. I find that no matter how hard i try, I can't get enough racquet speed as I imagine I would have before I start swinging. If i do the strokes using a racquet with a weight attached to the end of it, and then try to repeat with a normal tennis racquet, my strokes are much faster than before - but this effect wears off. Does this mean that i don't get enough racquet head speed due to mental issues, or physical issues?

Also, is there anyway to improve timing, without going on a court. (I'd love to be able to play tennis 8+ hours every day, but am unfortunately unable to do it due to lack of time/money/transportation etc.

Answer 1

This is a very good question and I'm not even going to pretend to be an expert on this, however... I have found that one of the hardest skills to learn and retain is doing early racquet preparation while still moving toward the ball, and while always keeping your eye on the ball.  This is something that is second nature to the pros.  If you can keep your eye on the ball, prepare early while keeping on the move, and then hit the ball when it is still out in front of you [ hitting behind on your heels is the absolute worst way to go ], and while watching the ball all the way through impact with the racquet -- then you will be making better shots.  Keep practicing.

Answer 2

First you should just start it slow...go back to the basics...then have the ball hit harder and harder to you until you timing comes back.

Answer 3

i am with spike it girl

Answer 4

practice, practice, practice....... It always works.

Answer 5

If I can hear you right...you say that your strokes are technically sound,but you are mistiming the shots.   If you are a baseline player....a heavier racquet is what you should use.  If you are a volleying type...a lighter raquet.  You will not get much power from a raquet that is too light and used for volleying.    If you play on clay courts..the game will slow down,and if you play on grass courts...the game will speed up.  The next thing you say is that you have mental issues.  You have tennis court nerves,and so before anything else..you need to control your nerves.  Try taking a sedative and perhaps it will improve your game.   Something else you should know...swing your body and shoulders into the shots and not just your arms.

Answer 6

A basic method of telling when to start the stroke .. well this is how i do it.. first i set up as soon as the ball hits my opponents strings.. it gives me more time... once im in position i wait till the ball has bounced before i start bringing my racquet through its loop... and then bam.. i hate it.. of course timing gets harder with inside out and inside in but thaths mainly because of the area your hitting the ball...

youll find it easier that when a ball comes back quicker your timing is better... but when its a rally ball sometimes its harder.. just keep working at it and find your nich