Sometimes it’s better to wait before you whale away.

By Katrina Adams
Illustration by Keith Witmer

1. When your opponent throws up a lob that’s so high it seems like it will be difficult to time, or if you’re struggling with the sun or wind, let the ball bounce. Start as you would with an ordinary overhead and track the ball by pointing at it with your off hand. Bring your racquet up as you get into position and stay on your toes so you can make small adjustments with your feet as the ball falls to the court.

2. As the ball bounces and comes back up, keep your head, off hand and racquet up. Your legs should be slightly bent so you can move upward into the shot.

3. Since you often hit bounce overheads far away from the net, you need to treat them more like serves. Go up after the ball, extend fully, don’t collapse at the waist, and attack the ball at the same contact point where you hit your serve. Step in with your left foot (if you’re right-handed) so you can uncoil into the shot. Consider slicing the ball as you would on a serve to add control.

4. Snap your wrist as you follow through and keep your head up. If you're closer to the baseline than the net, don’t snap down as much as you would on an ordinary overhead because you need more length to ensure that the ball travels over the net. Your left foot (if you’re righthanded) should be firmly planted to keep you balanced as your right side comes through the stroke.

 

Katrina Adams, a former WTA tour pro, is a Tennis Channel commentator.