CHANGING DIRECTION DOWN-THE-LINE (GULP)!


RE-DIRECTING THE BALL DOWN THE LINE IS DIFFICULT
BUT CAN HAVE HUGE REWARDS 


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One of the scariest things you do in tennis is to change the direction of the ball and hit down the line off a ball coming from cross-court. You are attempting to re-direct the ball to another angle which requires considerable skill. It’s much easier going back cross-court because you are hitting through the same line.

If you can execute the down the line shot well during the rally it’s a big plus to your game because it stops your opponent getting too comfortable with your shot selection, they will now have to worry about the unexpected change of direction – something few players can do that well.

Here are the key things to focus on when going down the line (backhand and forehand).

1.       The position of your feet:
o   The best way to change direction, either down the line or cross-court, is to change your contact point. Many players try to change their swing to alter the direct of the ball but the best way is to take the ball earlier (cross-court) or later (down the line). 

    Anticipate where you want to contact the ball and set your feet in a position of balance and strength. Make sure that the late contact point is supported by footwork that will allow you to make the change of direction in a balanced position throughout the stroke, particularly the finish of the shot.

THIS PLAYER HAS ESTABLISHED A SOLID BASE AND HAS PREPARED
TO TAKE THE BALL LATE IN THE CONTACT ZONE

2.       Keep the swing the same:
o   Now that you have created the best possible base for the down the line change, keep your swing the same as if you were hitting any other backhand or forehand, it’s only the contact point that is changing.

3.       Select the correct ball to change on:
o   Always attempt to change direction when your opponent has hit a weaker shot in the rally. That weaker shot is a signal that it’s time to attack and take advantage of the situation. You will know it’s a weaker shot when several things happen (1) the ball lands short on your side of the net (2) the ball comes to you higher, and (3) the ball comes shorter and higher! 

    This is based on the DNO Theory which was published here in a previous article:
    http://thetenniswhisperer.blogspot.com/2012/04/dno-theory-shot-selection-template.html 

MANY PLAYERS USING TWO-HANDED BACKHANDS PREFER TO HIT
OPEN STANCE WHEN TAKING THE BALL LATE 

4.       Hit 90 degrees through the far baseline:
o   To continue our theme of changing down the line sensibly and safely, make sure you cross the far baseline at 90 degrees. By disciplining your shot in this way you will be focused on controlling the ball rather than resorting to a “hit and hope” mindset. The 90 degree angle has been the method of choice for the world’s best players for many years. 

    For more information on this shot selection theory here is the link to a previous article where I explain "The Directionals" and how to train them;
    http://thetenniswhisperer.blogspot.com/2012/08/adding-that-x-factor-to-your.html  


DRILL
To practice each of these 4 suggestions you will need to include a repetition segment to your practice and a pressure segment.

For the repetition you can return balls down the line from a cross-court feed (basket feeding) and mentally go through setting the feet in position, delaying the contact point slightly and hitting through the far baseline at 90 degrees. Repeat this until you start to feel like the 3 elements are beginning to complement each other and you start to feel comfortable changing direction.

The second phase is to introduce pressure so that this will all come together in a match without you choking. Play points with your practice partner and work on not only executing the 3 technical parts you dealt with during the feeding segment, but also the DNO shot selection element. 

Spend a week changing the ball out of a cross-court exchange and striking your opponent down the line and this newly created ability will make you a far more dangerous opponent.












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