Tennis returning hard flat ball?

Question

I have a hitting partner who hits the ball very hard flat and low. I find it extremely difficult to return these shots. What are some tips you might have?

Answer 1

I agree with Birdman, he has the right idea how to handle this situation.  I want to add a couple things:

1) Early preparation

2) Shorten your swing (compact swing)

Answer 2

dang. thats tough. try working on your groundstrokes and remember to go as far back as you can because that is where the ball will get the most height. Let it bounce. never try to volley those things, they are torture.  Seriously, just let it bounce, there is no shame in that.

Also, try learning better forehand slices, they can really come in handy.

Answer 3

all i do is whenever someone serves a hard flat serve i dont swing. i just tap it and it will go over the net and start the game

Answer 4

You can easily use the speed of his shots to get very good placement on yours.  Don't get sucked into trying to add power to your own shots. Just move him around by compacting your swing a little bit and thinking only about where you want to send it on his court and how deep.  

Also, add a lot of slices and speed variations.  He's hitting flat and hard consistently because you have the kind of game that gets him into easy rythm to do so. keep slicing every 2-3 shots. He can't hit flat at slices. Then send a higher ball and slice again. That ought to throw him out of rythm and he will send you a weaker shot that you can take an aggressive cut at.

See how it works.

Answer 5

put massive power and spin on the ball it should go over

Answer 6

I love those because all you have to do is use their power agaisnt them. Also good if you know what kind of spin is on the ball.  Just do what Birdman said.

Also, great thing to do is study Andre Agassi bec he's one of the best returners the game ever saw.

Answer 7

A hard flat struck ball has its own power.  One of the best things you can do is hold your racket firmly, meet the ball out in front of you and follow through smoothly.  Also bend your knees a little extra so you're closer to the level of the ball. Watch the ball intently, coming and going.