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Total Control: Quick Tip

When your opponent hits a shot behind you, here's how you respond

Published Mar 21, 2012

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There will be many moments in matches where you instantly go from being in control to being out of control. A common problem occurs when your opponent disrupts a rally you’re controlling by hitting a shot behind you, causing you to change directions quickly. Here’s what you do.

1) Stop, keep your balance and push off your outside foot to get your body moving in the opposite direction with a crossover step. Then start your movement depending on how far away the ball is.

2) As you start your movement, you must also start your swing pattern. Have your racquet back and in position to swing once you’ve reached the ball.

3) Don’t hit a short defensive ball. Try to hit a deep topspin shot or even a deep slice. This will give you a chance to recover for the next ball.

Originally published in the March 2012 issue of TENNIS.

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