Bradford Athletics

Tentative Boys' Tennis Conference Schedule for Spring 2007 is Available Here

To improve your doubles game, visit Operation Doubles

Bradford Tennis Tips - Strokes

How to Hit an Overhead in Tennis

'An overhead should be hit with authority and needs to be practiced, so therefore it's a finishing shot. Hit it once and have it be the final shot. It becomes more important to know and learn in advanced doubles.

• STEP 1: Recognize the lob shot coming.
• STEP 2: Put both hands up high.
• STEP 3: Turn the shoulders, and therefore the body and feet sideways immediately.
• STEP 4: Run back if you need to, or shuffle forward.
• STEP 5: Point your left hand straight up to the area where the racquet will contact the ball.
• STEP 6: Keep your eyes on the ball, and look over your left shoulder at the ball.
• STEP 7: Hold your racquet head in a compact, service orientation, "back scratch" position. Your elbow need not be completely folded.
• STEP 8: Hit up on the ball, and allow the arm to be totally flexible so your wrist will snap.
• STEP 9: Keep your hands soft, and bring the ball abruptly down.
• STEP 10: Finish on your front foot if possible.
  

Tips

• Follow through with some flair, since you just won the point (provided you hit the overhead correctly).
• Stay relaxed and keep your hand, wrist and arm soft to avoid injury.