Jorge Capestany - TennisDrills TV

Take It on the Rise

It happens over and over gain. Players come off the court and complain about the “moonballer” they just lost to. They go on about how that wasn’t real tennis and how those people should be banned from the game. However, in the end, it is simply a loss and no amount of complaining will change that.

The moonballer in particular is a frustrating player to deal with because they give you no pace and are very content to keep you out there all day long waiting for you to make an error.

Over the years I have realized that the players who are most vulnerable to these moonball tactics are the ones who have not learned how to hit the ball on the rise.

Hitting the ball on the rise or taking it early as some say is an essential tool that players today can not do without.

Three Keys to Success

1) Understand the rhythm of the shot. When done properly, this shot will have a certain rhythm (bounce-hit - like a heartbeat). The first beat is when the ball hit the ground and the next beat is immediate when the ball hits the strings.

2) Get close to the ball’s bounce location. In executing this shot it is important to learn just how close you need to position yourself to where the ball lands to be able to take it in the proper strike-zone. Many players set up too far away from the ball and end up hitting it way out of their strike zone. A proper position to the ball will allow your strike-zone to be waist high or lower and will keep the ball from pushing you backwards and moving the strike-zone above your head.

3) Adjust your swing size and speed. Taking the ball on the rise it is similar to a half-volley. The players that do it best are the ones that shorten their swings (the backswing in particular) because it will make it easier to time the ball.  A shortened swing is also a good idea because the ball (having fallen from high in the sky) will have plenty of power on it after it comes off the ground.

Adding the ability to hit the ball on the rise is very important in today’s game. Next time you hit the courts try these tactics out and develop the skills to “never be bothered by a moonballer again.

Jorge Capestany - TennisDrills TV

Jorge is the Founder of www.tennisdrills.tv - a video based website that shows more than 700 videos of tennis drills and tips. Jorge is one of only nine people world-wide that is a Master Professional with both the USPTA and PTR. Jorge is a 6-time Michigan Pro of the Year a 2-time Midwest Pro of the Year. Jorge has coached hundreds of ranked juniors including 3 national champions.