What do you do when you’re at the net and your opponent throws up a lob? Ask most tennis players and you’ll see them cringe a little, knowing that the overhead is a real weakness in their arsenal. The goal of this article is to provide tips on improving or learning the overhead from scratch, and how to have some real fun along the way.
Same as the serve but your opponent is tossing the ball
Serving is hard enough. Part of what makes it difficult is having a consistent toss. Since the swing on the overhead is nearly identical to the serve, except for a shortened backswing for speedy preparation, the only variable is the toss. Think of it like this. You’re playing a point and you come to the net. All of a sudden you have to serve a ball, right in the middle of a point. There are two bits of good news. First, that you are usually close to the net and therefore your angles into the court are many. And, second, that you no longer have to hit into a designated service box, you have the entire court area as a target! The bad news is that the toss is unpredictable. In fact, your opponent is the one tossing the ball. Therefore, you have to move for it.
The Set Up
Setting up or preparing properly to hit the overhead is absolutely essential. Preparing for the hit consists of four elements. The key is to do them all at the same time. For the beginner it may seem like a lot to learn, but after a dozen or so shadow swings, he or she should get a feel for the idea. First, turn the shoulders sideways to the net. Second, step back with the right foot (assuming you are right-handed). Third, set the racquet hand to the right of the right ear, just like a quarterback setting up to throw a pass. Finally, the fourth movement is to point to the ball with the left or non-racquet hand. This helps accomplish the task of lining up and timing the shot. The pros may make it look easy, but timing on the overhead usually takes some patience and solid practice effort to master. After all, the ball is dropping downward out of the sky, and you are going to reach up with your racquet to strike it over your head. Preparing or setting up quickly, efficiently, and consistently is the essential first step.
Identifying the 4 different types of overheads
The Easy Overhead: The first group of overheads is the easy set-up. This one is not too high, not too low, and would bounce, if you let it, inside the service boxes. Set up early, take it out of the air, and knock this one away for a winner, each and every time. Note that this type of overhead is what beginners should learn first.
The Modified Overhead: This category of shots deals with reality; namely, that your opponent is throwing up lobs in totally unpredictable ways. High. Low. To your right. To your left. In front of you or behind. Each and every lob you receive will be unique. Add to that the various outdoor climatic conditions you will experience (i.e. sun, wind, etc.) and you’ve got your hands full. Therefore, it is critical to realize that sometimes you will need to shorten your swing and modify it to adapt to the ball you receive. The picture perfect set up comes along once in a while, but don’t count on it.
The Bouncing Overhead: There are numerous benefits to taking overheads out of the air, including the fact that it gives your opponent less time to prepare and also is a confidence builder for yourself. However, there are specific times when it does make sense to let the ball bounce. First, when the lob is extremely high, since the ball is descending very quickly. Letting it bounce makes the timing of the shot easier to manage. Second, when you are visually impaired by bright sun, or have poor depth perception due to a clear blue sky or are playing at night when the background sky is dark. Take note that when you let the lob bounce you will have extra time to get into position and on balance. When hit correctly, it should feel like a solid flat first serve.
The Jump Overhead: The final category of overheads is by far the most challenging. It is also the ball that can expose the player who has poor shot preparation as listed earlier in this article. The ill-prepared player will have a very tough time with this shot. But, prepare well and you’ll be able to hit more difficult overheads than you probably thought possible. Here’s the situation. You’ve seen the pros do it and now you can try it for yourself. You’re at the net and your opponent hits a good lob over your head. If you are right-handed and at the net, you have to move back quickly, pushing off the ground with your right foot. Then, while in the air, you hit the overhead, and land on your left foot. In addition to good movement, the key to this shot is simplifying the racquet swing and emphasizing the snap of the wrist.
Gaining confidence aka looking for lobs
Thus far we’ve mostly discussed the physical or technique aspects of hitting the overhead. However, a great deal of developing a strong and confident overhead is in the mind. Remember, it’s called the overhead smash. Not the overhead “pray it goes in shot.” Be decisive. Look to take it out of the air and hit it with power. Of course, at first, get a feel for the shot and play it with control. But, as soon as possible, start hitting it with force. In fact, when you’re at the net and your opponent throws up a lob, try saying to yourself, “Great! Now I can end the point!”
Yes, it takes practice
The fact that the developing a strong and dependable overhead takes practice is both good and bad. Bad because practice requires patience and a commitment of time. Good because most players do not develop a strong overhead. Therefore, if you can develop a strong smash, you will have a distinct advantage over most of your adversaries.