Bombs Away, the Overhead

If you asked most competitive players how they would love to end a very close match, you’d get several different answers, but one that would probably be most common is “Smashing an overhead for a winner.” Perhaps it’s the physical challenge of the shot, or maybe the sense of sending a dynamic final impression to the opponent; whatever it is, it’s a competitive player's dream of how to finish a close match. Let’s examine why that is the case.

Most coaches will begin their development of their students by first working diligently on the groundstrokes, then move on to their serves, followed by net play and serve returns. They then often turn to the less frequent shots a student experiences, one of which is the overhead. If that student possesses the physical skills and proper preparation for this shot, it is a significant step towards developing a confident player when they come to the net.   

Although fewer tour players come to the net these days and, in turn, are less likely to have to react to a lob, they seem to have little difficulty in executing a successful and explosive overhead. The reason for this is simple: first, they are great athletes, which helps them excel with the challenging footwork and preparation to execute a quality overhead; second, they most likely have acquired a great service motion, which closely resembles the motion of the overhead. With those less experienced, they are either still in the process of learning the mechanics of their overhead or have not practiced enough to have developed a reliable overhead. Add to that, it is maybe the only shot in tennis that almost always is expected to finish a point. So just as elated a player will be by hitting that overhead to end a match, they will probably be equally disappointed when missing that opportunity. The bottom line, especially for players who prefer doubles, is that a coach needs to work on developing their student’s ability to execute a confident overhead smash and not be overwhelmed by the demands of that moment. 

First, a few tips that might help with the preparation and movement in retrieving to hit an overhead. Most students will make the mistake of first looking up at the ball, similar to the error that new outfielders in baseball or softball will make. This initial response naturally causes the hips to move slightly forward, impacting the ability to turn and have proper balance.  That balance is all-important for any player who needs to retreat to cover a deep lob.  

Consider using the analogy of those who perform in the sport of fencing. The participant makes a concerted effort to start and maintain a sideways position with balance. This allows them to move forward or backward quickly, a significant requirement in order to have any success in that sport. Having any student master this initial posture and movement is essential to achieve the ability to cover a challenging lob…but there is more. If a player does back up without turning, there is a high risk that they can catch a heel or lose balance and fall backwards. This type of injury is very common among recreational players, but it can be avoided with proper instruction.

As to the position and preparation of a player’s racket, there needs to be some flexibility in coaching this movement. Although the racket needs to be brought back quickly and ready to fire upward, that position is not necessarily common among players. Just as it can be with the service motion, try to find what each student feels more comfortable with when retreating to hit an overhead.

With the understanding of the preparation and footwork, it’s time to find the solution to overcoming both the physical and mental challenges and develop the confidence that is so important with this shot. Once again, the solution is simple: find ways during practice that challenge a student to overcome the stress and the mental challenge of that moment. No better way than using these competitive playing drills.

Each of these games can be played with the coach, or better yet, played with a similar-level opponent.      

SHELL SHOCK

Play a regular set and make an effort to attack the opponent by coming to the net. The points are played as normal, with this one amended rule added; an overhead that is missed results in the loss of that game. Sounds very stern, but two things will evolve: the baseline player will be enticed to lob, and your overheads will have a ton of pressure on them to be controlled and accurate. After a few sets of this game, your overhead skill will have been truly tested.

ALL OR NOTHING

There is no greater pressure in match play than having to put away an overhead on match point. Each player takes turns serving only one point at a time. First player to ten wins. The rules are simple: try to get to the net and hit an overhead. If you can put it away, you instantly win the game; if you miss it or fail to put it away, you instantly lose. This game will also help players learn to lob successfully and tactfully. Players and coaches will be entertained by the reaction of a player losing the game when they are up 9 to 0.

THE ANGLE SLICE OVERHEAD

When you find yourself having to retreat excessively to reach that lob, two things will likely take place. First, you will not be able to produce a lot of power, and second, you will be forced back and way out of position to cover the net in defense of any passing shots. One thing you can do to help you survive this difficult shot is master a slice overhead. This shot does not require much power, and you can even shorten the swing to ensure contact. With the help of a good continental grip, you’ll be able to carve that ball and add some excessive sidespin so that the ball angles quickly off the court. It’s a great shot to master, so practice it by having someone feed you those deep lobs and set up a marker or location that would represent a successful side-slicing overhead.

AROUND THE HORN

Someone will need to feed the lobs, or if you have access to a ball machine that can lob, that’s even better. The net player will try to hit the first overhead to the deuce service square, the second to the area behind that service square (you will need to imagine a line that extends from the middle service squares to the baseline), then the next overhead to the area between the ad service square and the baseline, then the next overhead to land in the ad service square. After that, reverse that sequence, and if the net player is successful, they will have only needed eight balls to accomplish that sequence. Keep track of how many balls it took to accomplish this challenge, and see if, over time, that player can get down to only needing eight balls.

Remember, when having your students play these games to improve any phase of their game, try to have them realize that it’s about the journey and the experience, not always about the results. Although it can be constructive to play these games competitively, they should know that by taking on new tactics that might fail, they may discover more successful alternatives.