Spacing: Part 4

To develop your feel for spacing, start by hitting approaches from a few feet inside the baseline.

In the previous part of the series we looked at slices--but much of what was described applied to shots where players are moving laterally. Let's look at ways to understand and utilize spacing where the movement is more forward, parallel or at least somewhat parallel to the sideline.

As we discussed, there are times when more or less sidespin mixed with underspin can make an approach shot more effective. So I have my students practice hitting different drives and slice approaches from a few feet inside the baseline to a bit inside the service line.

On the approach move through the shot, hit off the outside foot with a semi-open stance, then take a step forward with that same outside foot.

When you practice this, it is important that you move through your shot. Footwork patterns are critical to finding good spacing. In most cases, the best way to do this is to step with your outside foot forward and to the side on your last right footed step on a forehand and your last left footed step on a backhand.

If you do this you will turn your hips and your shoulders, and you will usually hit the shot off of your inside foot. Generally you do not hit with a closed stance when you are approaching as it makes it much harder to continue moving towards the net. Players find that learning and feeling the spacing that goes with this pattern makes approach shots much easier to execute and also more effective.

On higher volleys when you have time, your arm shape is similar to an open U.

Frequently you won't have time to create optimal spacing on volleys, but there are times when you have options. On higher volleys you want to get close to the ball to enable a U-shaped arm position. (Click here for John Yandell's article on arm shape.)

If your arm extends away from your body, it's harder to keep the racquet head stable. This is easiest to see on one-handed backhands. On low volleys, a lot depends on how fast the ball is coming towards you and how quickly it is dropping.

On heavy dipping balls you can use the drop to hit a sharp crosscourt angle.

If a ball is going away from you especially if it has a lot of topspin, you may benefit by staying farther from the ball and using the drop to help hit a big angle cross court volley or drop volley.

If the ball is low and coming right at you, hit a backhand. Use a decidedly left to right motion, even when the ball is slightly to your forehand side. I call this "the hockey goalie" since the movement of the arm and shoulder is similar to that used by a hockey goalie when moving the stick from left to right. This is an example of creating spacing that will allow you to make a better shot, provided you also have adapting skills.

Stay tuned for spacing on Swing Volleys next!

Spacing: Part 4

Dave Hagler