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Tennis Lessons

How to Handle the Low Chip

By Mike Whittington, TennisONE Contributing Editor

Question

I play an opponent who will frequently chip the ball short and wide to my backhand when I'm standing at the baseline. As I run over to make the return he drifts up to the net. I have to hit up on that low-bouncing ball from a stretched-out position. He usually knocks off the volley easily. How can I more effectively deal with that low, short backhand?

Answer

Well, it sounds like your opponent has got you in a jam. Most people in these instances think about how to hit a better shot after their opponent has placed them in a disadvantageous position. I recommend to all of my students that they look try to determine how they got into this negative situation.

In other words, what shots are you hitting to allow your opponent to get you in such a defensive position? Are you hitting weak serves? Shallow groundies? What is it that your are doing or not doing that is allowing your opponent to get in such an offensive position?

You might also consider standing a little more on the deuce side (assuming you are right handed) to give your opponent less court to hit into. Of course you will have to be ready to hit the running forehand like Sampras! And I would certainly recommend a defensive lob if your are able to get under the ball enough. If possible, find a shot or spin that won't allow your opponent to chip the ball low. This is the fun cat and mouse part of tennis that we all love - even though your might not think so right now!

To sum up, rather than looking for a cure on how to hit the low chip shot when you are really stretched wide, I would suggest you start by finding out why your opponent is able to do it to you. By finding that critical shot in the point you might just have you opponent stretching for your shots!

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