Position and Stroke for Biginners (Part-2)
In making returns the first essential is to get the ball over the net. The best height above the net for the ball to pass is from one foot to two feet. This insures keeping it in court if you have a good follow through and steadiness on the stroke.
On the finish of the stroke the head of the racquet is about shoulder high on a follow through shot, the arm well extended after the ball, the body relaxed. The arm and racquet should point in the direction where the ball is placed. Many balls that go out of court would have landed in if the player had finished out straight instead of coming in or across.
A player having taken his position correctly, his grip should be firmly held, the racquet well back, before starting to make the stroke. In making a return first be sure its direction is correct; next its height, then be sure to give it sufficient depth.
On a return to you anticipate where and how the ball is going to bound. It is advisable to stand for most opponents about three feet back of the spot where the ball drops. This varies with the speed of the return.
Whenever possible use a drive in returning the ball. A follow through or a top stroke is hard for an opponent to judge. Do not use chop strokes too often, as they are the easiest balls to kill when the adversary is at the net
A ball driven begins to drop when it passes the net, which makes it hard to judge. On a chop return the ball rises as it crosses the net, and is easy to volley. Some prime points in making simple strokes are these.
1. Face sideways in taking stroke, arm well away from the body. This improves direction.
2. Start well back for the beginning of the stroke.
3. Steady swing from the beginning to end of stroke.
4. Follow through on the stroke, racquet well extended.
5. Meet the ball just as it is opposite the body.
6. Position of the feet -- left foot forward for fore hand strokes, right foot forward for back hand.
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