YES! A quality overhead is gold vs a fantastic defensive player like him. Tough to be successful without it unless you're just going to blast a hole through him from the baseline.
Hey Ian, I am 6’3” and in high school and play up at the net in doubles. This video is what I’ve been needing because I have a hard time getting the right racquet angle for overheads, thank you so much for everything you do for the channel. I love everything you do, keep it up👌
If you don’t judge the fall of the ball and get in the correct location on the court the rest of the swing will not make up for that. I coach the overhead like catching fly balls in baseball. You have to be in the correct position as the ball falls. Stand sideways and practice catching the ball with your non racquet hand. Practice moving in all directions catching the ball then practice hitting it. I case you wondering I played lots of baseball and catching fly balls became automatic.
Now this is a useful tip! Dude, you hit the nail on the head. This is where so many of us fall short. We cannot put away a smash that we've worked so hard to set up. I really appreciate the knowledge! Ian, you are doing the Lord's work my friend ! :-)
Great lesson again! My keys to a good overhead are these 3 steps (and I if leave one step out, I usually muff the overhead): 1-change to continental grip (like a serve), 2- turn my body at least slightly sideways like a serve (not chest squared to the net), 3-get my non-dominant arm up, pointing toward the ball (like a serve) and the racquet up in a semi-trophy pose position while waiting for the ball to come down to me. When I do all 3, I usually hit a good overhead, when I do not...well...
Thank you Ian. I've been looking for a long tutorial on how to hit smash properly and hard. Now I find out in this video. May this video help me. Thank. Heri Purwata of Indonesia
great video, I end up pushing many smashes out of the court and therefore I too often try to end the point with a drop volley but now I know what I'm doing wrong I hope I can finally improve my smashes and hit them with more confidence
i still have not been able to hit my overhead, ian you are a wonderful and sound coach, my present forehand got better because i watched your video. I know i am the cause of my overhead problem, if i follow you instruction well i believe i will get better. Thank you for everything.
This is great. Very key to start with a continental grip and move the racquet to the ball on edge. I'd throw in one more thing: when you make contact, think of it as giving the ball a "high five". This gets you to use your bigger arm muscles and not so much your wrist. A lot of coaches say to make sure you get a good "wrist snap", but to me, it's not really a wrist snap, it's an arm snap.
@@Charovfam5364 Really? Your goal when hitting the overhead is to clear a 36-42" high (imaginary) obstacle 39' in front of you, making sure it lands within 21' past said obstacle? No, they are not the same thing. Ever. A few mechanics are shared, but they should not be considered one being part of the other. Treat them as separate strokes. The serve must have lots of forward and upward drive to clear the net then drop in the service box. This results in lots of energy built up and released by kinetic chain--leg crunch propelling feet off ground on release, shoulder seesaw, torso torquing and crunching, arm whip, back leg kicking up. The overhead is a much quieter swing, with comparatively little energy being stored and released throughout the kinetic chain. Notice how little Ian's body moves to accomplish his goal of popping ball high on back fence. There's a little seesaw of the shoulders and then only upward arm motion with the wrist/forearm redirecting this upward momentum into forward and downward ball motion. His body remains vertical. Try stopping your arm high after contact on a serve like Ian does on his overhead (DON'T. I'm being sarcastic. Injury will likely result.). The efficient overhead is quite and still. It is not a serve and should never be thought of as such.
If you're hitting an overhead off the bounce behind the baseline with intent to land it in a service box opposite to where you're standing, then. yes, in that situation, the serve and overhead will have a lot in common. The other 99.9% of your overheads should focus on technique separate from serving.
Ian, can you next talk about angling the overhead for placement? It seems good players sometimes take a straight forward overhead swing while using the angle of the racquet face at contact to direct the ball. Seems tricky, but we see so many smashes especially at the 4.0 and lower levels go directly back to the opponent, when it should really be quite an opportunity to go aggressive.
I really needed this,im a new player and my forehand and backhand are pretty decent, but I've been messing up these overhands. this video has helped a lot thanks
I am one of the players who desperately need to improve their smashes. Besides serve and forehand volley my main weakness. I'll try to improve it the way you're teaching here. Thanks for the video!
Smart and yet so simple training unit for smashes well explained! Can't wait to resume playing Tennis once the lockdown's over and to teach my kids using this technique! Inspired by Table Tennis, one thing I urgently want to try is a new Tennis forehand technique using a heavy Continental or ideally even a backhand Eastern grip instead of a forehand Eastern grip. I did some "shadow boxing" recently and it felt incredibly awkward, and so it's clear the swing must change entirely to make it feel somewhat feasible. The contact point for balls bouncing up to normal height would be somewhere in the prolonged axis of the shoulders - not in front of the body anymore. The swing would go at a 70° to 80° angle from low to head with only little forward motion. The aim is 1) to convert more energy into rotation and hence generate more forward spin and 2) eliminate the need to swap grip. I rely on the latest high tech rackets (lighter, much better acceleration). Fact is though, that table tennis players generate about two times the rotation speed compared to Tennis players, and that is with the different diameters of the balls already factored in. In absolute numbers TT balls rotate up to 3.3 times faster (9000rpm vs. 2700rpm). Now, there are other factors of course like material, weight etc... Granted, in TT we even use sticky rubber that is so tacky that you can lift a carpet knife with the racket surface (the carpet knife sticking underneath). But I am just curious...
Here's a forehand study of "Mr. Topspin" aka Ma Long doing exactly what I mean. He's using a grip we'd consider Continental or even backhand Eastern in Tennis.ua-cam.com/video/IiARkUO6aEE/v-deo.html
I been coaching high school and USTA Junior tennis for 30 years. Many players have a difficult time getting in position and timing the overhead. Personally I played so much baseball that hitting overhead was as easy as catching fly balls. I teach players to use their off hand to turn and point up at the ball like they are catching a fly ball. I keep a baseball glove in my teaching tool bag. Have them use the glove to catch lobs first then eventually use the tennis racquet. So many players think it’s about being tall but it’s all about judging the ball as it falls. I appreciate your advice on the Continental grip,and swing but if they can’t judge and get in the correct position they still will not have a reliable overhead.
Hey Ian, When you hit your overhead it looks like your index finger and heel pad is where bevel 2 meets 3 (bevel 2.5 or “soft continental”). Would you agree? Thank you!
I instantly thought about Djokovic and his continued struggles with the overhead. It's the one shot where i constantly see him really have to focus more on, where you can see his insecurity. Becker even had a video on how he believes Djokovic has the worst overhead in the top 100.
any tips on how to time overheads better? i have decent technique on my overhead, except that in matches i regularly shank them or swing-and-miss them with good technique, lol
I think these tips are more useful when playing doubles; you can kill balls close to the net with high bounces over your oponnents. But you must learn how to hit low trajectory - small net clearance deep smash shots for your single matches, because most of the balls will come further from the net...
1:38 and 5:46, that’s so me. And my serve. I keep hearing you’re pushing the ball because you brought your racket up to soon. Thanks, Ian! Now I know why they’re going out! (P.S. aren’t you left handed?)
Thanks for this lesson--don't think I've hit an overhead since 1972. Might I apply the advice at 5:02 against using just the wrist to my serve? Trying to begin the motion at the core with the power cascading through the shoulder, arm and hand. When I can keep my wrist and grip relaxed, good things happen. Hm. Did I get any of that right? ;OH, thing two. Can you flip it so we left handed warriors can benefit, too? I can't keep playing while holding a mirror.
It’s not how hard you hit or bounce it but how well you place it in the court consistently. I love playing guys that over hit and miss the court trying to overpower the overhead. Placement and consistent shots win matches.
Great lesson! I remember having a blast as a kid in the lesson where we practiced putting overheads over the back fence! :D It's still satisfying these days, but when playing outdoors I do have to weigh whether I really want to go retrieve the ball! Top of the fence or angled off the court is typically my goal now. The biggest ongoing technique focus for me is completing the follow-through to bring my hand down across my body to my opposite hip.
Great vid, you wouldn't (probably would) believe how many smashes I put long, especially in doubles. Gonna make sure I take this into my next session. Also, just noticed your bumper guard on your racket? Is it missing? Is there a reason you like it like that?
Once you learn this technique it's almost hard to hit an overhead long....you have to REALLY mis-time it. The bumper guard has worn off and I just don't care enough to replace it, haha. Old racquets. They'll just have to be replaced at some point.
How often is it best to hit the smash hard and how often is it easier (and more effective) to hit it soft? Maybe cos I mainly play people who push rather than smash I definitely prefer when they try to power it!
Good question, Paul. I'd say you should hit every overhead confidently with the exception of when you're in a really poor/off balance position. Shoot for a 6-8 out of 10 swing on most overheads.
I got up early and went to the courts this morning. My overhead works beautifully now. Amazing. Also, my one handed backhand has improved recently thanks to Coach Eric's tip of keeping a straight arm. Thanks to the both of you from the UK.
Hey Ian, I know most people are very particular about there racket. New models, weight, brand etc. I noticed that you used that yellow racket that looks pretty beaten up. Is a racket something your not to bothered about??
So... as a 3.0, my overhead has been one of the strengths of my game, but I can't say I'm consistently putting the ball over the back wall. Usually about 2/3 of the way up. I find it takes full body windup and downward force to make that happen - just like a 1st serve, only hitting down on the ball. Ian makes it look so effortless and easy to just bounce the ball over the back wall. Is it wrist snap/strength that is holding me back?
You used the right word, "effortless" to describe what Ian is doing. What a lot of players at your level struggle with is being loose and relaxed when striking the ball. We develop pace through uncoiling muscles and smoothly pivoting around joints. If you're tense or trying to muscle the ball, you'll never develop the pace you want. Slow speed shadow swings where you focus on relaxing and feeling like you're barely hanging onto the racket are a good first step in fixing your issue. One of the things I've found helpful for people looking for more pace is shadow swings with an exaggerated weak grip. Try holding your racket with just your thumb and first two fingers. It should feel like you're about to let go of the handle each time you swing. If you can do that after introducing a ball, you'll be on your way!
Please don't think you should be bouncing the ball over the back fence regularly, Figbert! It's only possible when you're pretty close to the net. Otherwise spiking it down enough to make it bounce that high isn't possible without hitting the net. If you can't make it happen right on top of the net like I was then there's definitely some technique flaws in your motion. Use video and check it out!
Hi Ian. First, thanks for the most useful videos. Second, I wanted to ask (a beginner question) if I hit overhead from a deeper position in the court, I will need a flatter angle, no? As a result, I assume, it'll be very hard ( not to say impossible) to bounce the ball as high as you did.
I will use this edge edge face drill to improve my service pronation. Serving as a natural right player but forced to play with left hand all this tips help. Is there anything in essencial academy that talks about players who switched hands for good? (
Sorry to hear you had to switch, Rui! Hope this video helps. No, unfortunately I don't have anything very comprehensive about switching hands at the moment.
I switched for a couple of years (righty to lefty) due to tendinitis. Like Nadal, my grip changed significantly, so that I play with a full semi-western on the forehand (probably due to the weaker left arm ...had a one-handed righty backhand). Then the corresponding 2-handed backhand (no grip change necessary) was strong, since it’s just a RH forehand further up the handle.
Really glad to hear of someone with the same issur as me. Been playing for 2 years with left hand now...its been a dificult and frustanting road but im getting better and better. Adjustment to space time ball and timing on stroke maybe the most dificult thing.
@@Dodge2 Yes, absolutely. I found the serve to be the hardest, due to relative weakness of the arm. I found that focusing on the heel step-in improved my lefty timing.
Need this drill for MEP. Thanks! : ]
YES! A quality overhead is gold vs a fantastic defensive player like him. Tough to be successful without it unless you're just going to blast a hole through him from the baseline.
Love how you flipped the video to be a righty! Give away? The logo! Oh and the court layout. Great idea Ian! 👍🤩🎾
Hey Ian, I am 6’3” and in high school and play up at the net in doubles. This video is what I’ve been needing because I have a hard time getting the right racquet angle for overheads, thank you so much for everything you do for the channel. I love everything you do, keep it up👌
Thank you so much for your support!
Find a good wall and practice it there.
If you don’t judge the fall of the ball and get in the correct location on the court the rest of the swing will not make up for that. I coach the overhead like catching fly balls in baseball. You have to be in the correct position as the ball falls. Stand sideways and practice catching the ball with your non racquet hand. Practice moving in all directions catching the ball then practice hitting it. I case you wondering I played lots of baseball and catching fly balls became automatic.
I would say this is one of your best lessons! Short and effective!
Glad to hear that!
Now this is a useful tip! Dude, you hit the nail on the head. This is where so many of us fall short. We cannot put away a smash that we've worked so hard to set up. I really appreciate the knowledge! Ian, you are doing the Lord's work my friend ! :-)
So glad to hear this was helpful, Kyle!
The most feared shot in my tennis life in competition matches 😁
Snapping instead of pushing: the essence of the great overhead. Thanks for the demonstration.
Great lesson 👍🙏
very clear explanation l heard.thank you
Every time I do an overhead smash it always goes straight and out and this vid helped me a lot. Worth watching it!
Awesome!
You are the best tennis instructor
🙏
Great video!
Thank you
Teacher gracias amigo
Overhead smash is coach Ian's best shot!
The overhead king, God bless you Ian
Great video.
Awesome thanks, I've always did the "push" smash and hit so many errors. I'll give your method a try, hopefully now I can finish off the points :)
Thanks. This is great!
Glad it was helpful!
Very very great video that fixed my overhead. Many thanks.
One of your best lessons. I have been struggling hitting easy overhands. Hope I can emulate what you said here on the court.
Thanks for watching
Great lesson again! My keys to a good overhead are these 3 steps (and I if leave one step out, I usually muff the overhead): 1-change to continental grip (like a serve), 2- turn my body at least slightly sideways like a serve (not chest squared to the net), 3-get my non-dominant arm up, pointing toward the ball (like a serve) and the racquet up in a semi-trophy pose position while waiting for the ball to come down to me. When I do all 3, I usually hit a good overhead, when I do not...well...
Love the simple approach Ian! Also I like that half of the progressions/shadow can be done at home!
Glad you enjoyed it, Hemen!
I agree, such a simple adjustment and a fresh way of explaining it, and presented in a way that makes me feel confident in executing it.
Thank you Ian. I've been looking for a long tutorial on how to hit smash properly and hard. Now I find out in this video. May this video help me. Thank.
Heri Purwata of Indonesia
great video, I end up pushing many smashes out of the court and therefore I too often try to end the point with a drop volley but now I know what I'm doing wrong I hope I can finally improve my smashes and hit them with more confidence
Now you know exactly what to do!
i still have not been able to hit my overhead, ian you are a wonderful and sound coach, my present forehand got better because i watched your video. I know i am the cause of my overhead problem, if i follow you instruction well i believe i will get better. Thank you for everything.
This is great. Very key to start with a continental grip and move the racquet to the ball on edge. I'd throw in one more thing: when you make contact, think of it as giving the ball a "high five". This gets you to use your bigger arm muscles and not so much your wrist. A lot of coaches say to make sure you get a good "wrist snap", but to me, it's not really a wrist snap, it's an arm snap.
Hey Ian, maybe a stupid question but isn't overhead motion the same as part of a proper serve motion? or is there anything different?
NOT a stupid question....the angles of attack are different but other than that they're the same fundamental motion and mechanics!
It's the exact same motion except you're starting in the trophy pose, heck you could do a jump overhead!
@@Charovfam5364 Really? Your goal when hitting the overhead is to clear a 36-42" high (imaginary) obstacle 39' in front of you, making sure it lands within 21' past said obstacle?
No, they are not the same thing. Ever. A few mechanics are shared, but they should not be considered one being part of the other. Treat them as separate strokes.
The serve must have lots of forward and upward drive to clear the net then drop in the service box. This results in lots of energy built up and released by kinetic chain--leg crunch propelling feet off ground on release, shoulder seesaw, torso torquing and crunching, arm whip, back leg kicking up.
The overhead is a much quieter swing, with comparatively little energy being stored and released throughout the kinetic chain. Notice how little Ian's body moves to accomplish his goal of popping ball high on back fence. There's a little seesaw of the shoulders and then only upward arm motion with the wrist/forearm redirecting this upward momentum into forward and downward ball motion. His body remains vertical. Try stopping your arm high after contact on a serve like Ian does on his overhead (DON'T. I'm being sarcastic. Injury will likely result.).
The efficient overhead is quite and still. It is not a serve and should never be thought of as such.
If you're hitting an overhead off the bounce behind the baseline with intent to land it in a service box opposite to where you're standing, then. yes, in that situation, the serve and overhead will have a lot in common. The other 99.9% of your overheads should focus on technique separate from serving.
Very good and effective lesson Ian. It seems like this would be an effective way to begin to teach the serve also.
Absolutely!
I have quite a good smash for a small lad but this video is brilliant for those who struggle, I'm definitely going to try some of these
Awesome, let me know how it works for you!
wish i had a ball machine..
I have always been having problem hitting overhead. This is such a good tip.
Thanks for watching!
Amazing explanation. Thanks a million~!!!
Beautiful! Just starting to consistently pronate my serves. This is a perfect progression.
Ian, can you next talk about angling the overhead for placement? It seems good players sometimes take a straight forward overhead swing while using the angle of the racquet face at contact to direct the ball. Seems tricky, but we see so many smashes especially at the 4.0 and lower levels go directly back to the opponent, when it should really be quite an opportunity to go aggressive.
Great topic idea!
I really needed this,im a new player and my forehand and backhand are pretty decent, but I've been messing up these overhands. this video has helped a lot thanks
Come on Ian, what we really want to learn is Scott's overhead at 15-love, 0-2 down in set 2.
😆 Now THAT'S an overhead!!
Ive noticed that I do this motion and still can't generate enough power for a strong and high overhead, whyy?
I am one of the players who desperately need to improve their smashes. Besides serve and forehand volley my main weakness. I'll try to improve it the way you're teaching here. Thanks for the video!
You're very welcome, Mel!
Another great video with a simple and straightforward description of the process and handy drills.
Glad you liked it!
Smart and yet so simple training unit for smashes well explained! Can't wait to resume playing Tennis once the lockdown's over and to teach my kids using this technique!
Inspired by Table Tennis, one thing I urgently want to try is a new Tennis forehand technique using a heavy Continental or ideally even a backhand Eastern grip instead of a forehand Eastern grip. I did some "shadow boxing" recently and it felt incredibly awkward, and so it's clear the swing must change entirely to make it feel somewhat feasible.
The contact point for balls bouncing up to normal height would be somewhere in the prolonged axis of the shoulders - not in front of the body anymore. The swing would go at a 70° to 80° angle from low to head with only little forward motion. The aim is 1) to convert more energy into rotation and hence generate more forward spin and 2) eliminate the need to swap grip. I rely on the latest high tech rackets (lighter, much better acceleration).
Fact is though, that table tennis players generate about two times the rotation speed compared to Tennis players, and that is with the different diameters of the balls already factored in. In absolute numbers TT balls rotate up to 3.3 times faster (9000rpm vs. 2700rpm). Now, there are other factors of course like material, weight etc... Granted, in TT we even use sticky rubber that is so tacky that you can lift a carpet knife with the racket surface (the carpet knife sticking underneath). But I am just curious...
Here's a forehand study of "Mr. Topspin" aka Ma Long doing exactly what I mean. He's using a grip we'd consider Continental or even backhand Eastern in Tennis.ua-cam.com/video/IiARkUO6aEE/v-deo.html
I been coaching high school and USTA Junior tennis for 30 years. Many players have a difficult time getting in position and timing the overhead. Personally I played so much baseball that hitting overhead was as easy as catching fly balls. I teach players to use their off hand to turn and point up at the ball like they are catching a fly ball. I keep a baseball glove in my teaching tool bag. Have them use the glove to catch lobs first then eventually use the tennis racquet. So many players think it’s about being tall but it’s all about judging the ball as it falls. I appreciate your advice on the Continental grip,and swing but if they can’t judge and get in the correct position they still will not have a reliable overhead.
Gold
Really good explanation and it has helped my smashes a huge amount - many thanks!
Awesome I can do most of this in my driveway
Thanks Ian! I need this lesson bad..my overhead seems to just keep ball in play rather than ending point!
Thanks for watching
Then this is exactly what you need!
Super, thanks Ian. Hope the ankle is coming along well.
Thank you so much! I'll post an update video soon.
Very helpful lesson 👍
Thank you Ian! This is exactly what I need!!
Hey Ian, When you hit your overhead it looks like your index finger and heel pad is where bevel 2 meets 3 (bevel 2.5 or “soft continental”). Would you agree? Thank you!
Great tips! Just curious, did you flip the video because you're a lefty but wanted the demo to be understood clearly by more people (righties)?
I instantly thought about Djokovic and his continued struggles with the overhead. It's the one shot where i constantly see him really have to focus more on, where you can see his insecurity. Becker even had a video on how he believes Djokovic has the worst overhead in the top 100.
Hope he sees this video!
@@EssentialTennis Ditto
Awesome lesson. Very helpful. Thanks a lot, Ian!
Thank you soooo much! Can’t wait to practice the correct overhead motion 😍
any tips on how to time overheads better? i have decent technique on my overhead, except that in matches i regularly shank them or swing-and-miss them with good technique, lol
Fantastic. Thanks Ian.
Glad you enjoyed it
Hey ET, This is especially a great vid for tennis players at the beginning levels. Keep up the solid work!
Thanks, will do!
@@EssentialTennis awesome! Keep working on serve placement!
Which Raquet do you use
Super
Cool explanation Ian. Clean and simple!
Glad it helped!
I think this drill will help me a lot! Gracias from Spain. I enjoy a lot with your channel ;)
Happy to hear that!
Nice vid, I struggled with this for years. Will practice the drills
You can do it!
Thank you, Ian I am anxious to try it.
Hope you enjoy
beautiful
Impressive and very helpful. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I need this!! Thank you ... I can’t wait to practice this 😊
You're so welcome!
I think these tips are more useful when playing doubles; you can kill balls close to the net with high bounces over your oponnents. But you must learn how to hit low trajectory - small net clearance deep smash shots for your single matches, because most of the balls will come further from the net...
Nice to see the "chapters" in the bottom of the screen!
👍
Nice video Ian!
Thank you.
My pleasure!
Hey- I don’t know if you’ll see this but could u do a video on how to get better foot work?
1:38 and 5:46, that’s so me. And my serve. I keep hearing you’re pushing the ball because you brought your racket up to soon. Thanks, Ian! Now I know why they’re going out! (P.S. aren’t you left handed?)
Awesome, so happy to hear this explained the "push" thing better for you. Now you just have to do the drills! Yes....I am left handed 😉
@@EssentialTennis why were you using your right hand?🤔
this is helpful, but I would have loved seeing a few swings in slow motion and from different angles
Thanks for this lesson--don't think I've hit an overhead since 1972. Might I apply the advice at 5:02 against using just the wrist to my serve? Trying to begin the motion at the core with the power cascading through the shoulder, arm and hand. When I can keep my wrist and grip relaxed, good things happen. Hm. Did I get any of that right?
;OH, thing two. Can you flip it so we left handed warriors can benefit, too? I can't keep playing while holding a mirror.
Ian I noticed you refrained from using the “P” word. Those who know what I’m talking about aren’t watching this video or probably don’t need to.
Good explanation.😉
Thanks! 😃
very helpful
Glad to hear that
It'll be soooo satisfying to just hit a overhead so high your opponent can't EVEN REACH IT XD
It’s not how hard you hit or bounce it but how well you place it in the court consistently. I love playing guys that over hit and miss the court trying to overpower the overhead. Placement and consistent shots win matches.
Interesting how this uses the natural muscle movements to generate power, also lower air resistance I guess?
Definitely the way the body wants to move!
Loved it, this is what I was looking for :)
So glad!
What do you recommend for video recording and analysis... using my phone is not working to get slow motion views
Camera was so still that until it moved to follow the ball I thought it was just set up. Great job camera person
Great lesson! Your progressions are outstanding! What is the name of the tennis facility that you teach at in your videos?
Are you well enough to play MEP?
Great lesson! I remember having a blast as a kid in the lesson where we practiced putting overheads over the back fence! :D It's still satisfying these days, but when playing outdoors I do have to weigh whether I really want to go retrieve the ball! Top of the fence or angled off the court is typically my goal now.
The biggest ongoing technique focus for me is completing the follow-through to bring my hand down across my body to my opposite hip.
Thanks for watching, Untornguy!
God it's gonna be fun smashing the ball too high for my opponent to reach XD
It's so satisfying!
Isn’t this useful for serves also?
So its basically a serve nearly straight down.
Yes, but you can only do this from within the service line; you can’t serve the ball down unless you are about 6’ 6” or taller.
Great vid, you wouldn't (probably would) believe how many smashes I put long, especially in doubles. Gonna make sure I take this into my next session. Also, just noticed your bumper guard on your racket? Is it missing? Is there a reason you like it like that?
Once you learn this technique it's almost hard to hit an overhead long....you have to REALLY mis-time it. The bumper guard has worn off and I just don't care enough to replace it, haha. Old racquets. They'll just have to be replaced at some point.
How often is it best to hit the smash hard and how often is it easier (and more effective) to hit it soft? Maybe cos I mainly play people who push rather than smash I definitely prefer when they try to power it!
Good question, Paul. I'd say you should hit every overhead confidently with the exception of when you're in a really poor/off balance position. Shoot for a 6-8 out of 10 swing on most overheads.
I got up early and went to the courts this morning. My overhead works beautifully now. Amazing. Also, my one handed backhand has improved recently thanks to Coach Eric's tip of keeping a straight arm. Thanks to the both of you from the UK.
Hey Ian, I know most people are very particular about there racket. New models, weight, brand etc. I noticed that you used that yellow racket that looks pretty beaten up. Is a racket something your not to bothered about??
Definitely not bothered about it at all, haha.
Aren't you left handed? Impressive!
I am!
So... as a 3.0, my overhead has been one of the strengths of my game, but I can't say I'm consistently putting the ball over the back wall. Usually about 2/3 of the way up. I find it takes full body windup and downward force to make that happen - just like a 1st serve, only hitting down on the ball. Ian makes it look so effortless and easy to just bounce the ball over the back wall. Is it wrist snap/strength that is holding me back?
You used the right word, "effortless" to describe what Ian is doing. What a lot of players at your level struggle with is being loose and relaxed when striking the ball. We develop pace through uncoiling muscles and smoothly pivoting around joints. If you're tense or trying to muscle the ball, you'll never develop the pace you want. Slow speed shadow swings where you focus on relaxing and feeling like you're barely hanging onto the racket are a good first step in fixing your issue.
One of the things I've found helpful for people looking for more pace is shadow swings with an exaggerated weak grip. Try holding your racket with just your thumb and first two fingers. It should feel like you're about to let go of the handle each time you swing. If you can do that after introducing a ball, you'll be on your way!
Please don't think you should be bouncing the ball over the back fence regularly, Figbert! It's only possible when you're pretty close to the net. Otherwise spiking it down enough to make it bounce that high isn't possible without hitting the net. If you can't make it happen right on top of the net like I was then there's definitely some technique flaws in your motion. Use video and check it out!
@@EssentialTennis Thanks for the feedback! Turns out I was too far from the net.
Can short people still do this confidently?
This is same motion as serve
How many notice that he is doing the drill with the right hand? he is a lefthanded player
Can you give more single strategy's when playing tennis?
Have you seen this lesson? ua-cam.com/video/UPng-DrIknk/v-deo.html
@@EssentialTennis can you upload new videos on singles strategy
Probably will soon!
Hi Ian. First, thanks for the most useful videos. Second, I wanted to ask (a beginner question) if I hit overhead from a deeper position in the court, I will need a flatter angle, no? As a result, I assume, it'll be very hard ( not to say impossible) to bounce the ball as high as you did.
Yes, you're exactly right. From behind the service line there's no chance to spike the ball like this because the net is in the way.
I will use this edge edge face drill to improve my service pronation.
Serving as a natural right player but forced to play with left hand all this tips help. Is there anything in essencial academy that talks about players who switched hands for good? (
Sorry to hear you had to switch, Rui! Hope this video helps. No, unfortunately I don't have anything very comprehensive about switching hands at the moment.
I switched for a couple of years (righty to lefty) due to tendinitis. Like Nadal, my grip changed significantly, so that I play with a full semi-western on the forehand (probably due to the weaker left arm ...had a one-handed righty backhand). Then the corresponding 2-handed backhand (no grip change necessary) was strong, since it’s just a RH forehand further up the handle.
Really glad to hear of someone with the same issur as me. Been playing for 2 years with left hand now...its been a dificult and frustanting road but im getting better and better. Adjustment to space time ball and timing on stroke maybe the most dificult thing.
@@Dodge2 Yes, absolutely. I found the serve to be the hardest, due to relative weakness of the arm. I found that focusing on the heel step-in improved my lefty timing.