| The overhead smash is a highly under-practiced shot | | | | in hitting a great overhead. The biggest mistake I see |
| in tennis, but a crucial shot for ending points. If you | | | | beginners make is that they move backwards with |
| have a strong overhead it puts the pressure on your | | | | their chest facing the net. This is both dangerous and |
| opponent because they know they'll have to pass you | | | | inefficient. The best way to handle an overhead is to |
| or perish. Let's discuss the vital steps to hitting an | | | | turn sideways and side step forward and backward |
| effective overhead. | | | | depending on how deep the lob is. This will allow you |
| Let's start with the proper grip. Since most overheads | | | | to move backwards quicker, but also allow you to |
| are hit at the net with a serve like swing the best grip | | | | change directions in case you misjudge the depth. |
| is, you guessed it, the continental. This will allow you to | | | | Finally, the best piece of advice I ever received on |
| angle the overhead to any area of the court without | | | | hitting great overheads has to deal with the mentality |
| straining the wrist. Furthermore, since both the | | | | of hitting the shot. Anytime you see your opponent hit |
| forehand and backhand volley are hit with a continental | | | | a lob tell yourself mentally that the point is over. An |
| grip you wont have to think about changing grip if your | | | | overhead is your chance to win the point so act like it! |
| opponent decides to try a lob. | | | | Have confidence to hit the ball hard! They don't call it |
| The second step and most crucial is footwork! That | | | | an overhead smash for nothing! Smash that thing and |
| pesty topic keeps coming up and it is no less important | | | | win the point! |