When Should You Hit The Tennis Ball Down-The-Line?
When you're playing tennis, one of the most important shots you can make is the down-the-line shot. This is a shot that's hit parallel to the sidelines, and it can be very difficult for your opponent to defend against. In this blog post, we share three situations when hitting down-the-line will be most effective for you.
After A Good Cross-Court Shot
A good cross-court shot will force your opponent to move outside the sidelines. While your opponent is out of position, one of your options is to hit the ball down the line. Most likely this will draw a weak return from your opponent so that you can go on to hit a winning shot.
As A Passing Shot When Your Opponent Is At The Net
A passing shot is a shot that goes by your opponent before they can get to it. This can be a very effective shot because it's hard for your opponent to reach, especially if they are positioned cross-court from you. To hit a down-the-line passing shot, you'll need to have good control of your racket to and make sure you hit the ball at the correct angle. If you can do this, you'll be able to master this tricky but rewarding shot.
As A Dropshot
The dropshot can be a real weapon. It's a shot that falls just over the net, barely making it over, and then suddenly dies. It's hard for your opponent to reach and it takes perfect timing to consistently execute it well. And when you do hit a great dropshot, your opponent often feels completely helpless. The down-the-line dropshot gives opponents the least time to react to the shot, since the ball is in the air for a shorter time before it lands on your opponent's side of the court.
So these are the three situations in which hitting down-the-line can be very effective: when your opponent is out of position after you hit a good cross-court shot, as a passing shot, and when you want to use the dropshot to win. When executed well, these shots can be difficult for your opponent to defend against and may result in a winning point.
Just remember to keep your eye on the ball at all times when you're hitting a down-the-line shot. If you take your eye off the ball even for a split second, you are likely to mistime the shot.
"The Philosophical Tennis Player: Thinking Your Way To Winning" offers a unique perspective on the sport of tennis. This book provides guidance inspired by philosophy to help you rethink the game and reach your peak performance. The author breathes life into abstract philosophical concepts, transforming them into tangible strategies everyone can use to become a successful player. Readers will gain insight into the psychological aspects of tennis and recognise the timeless values that extend beyond the confines of the court.
About The Author
Darren Teo is the founder of Play! Tennis, the most Google reviewed tennis academy in Singapore. His passion for making tennis accessible to everyone regardless of their age, experience and ability continues to drive his work at the school. He is a thought leader in LinkedIn with 14,000 followers.