Ben Ashford,
HTA Head Coach
PTR Certified Professional
Watching The Ball
HTA Head Coach
PTR Certified Professional
Watching The Ball
It seems like such an easy thing to do, and it's such an important thing to do. How can we even hit the ball at all if we aren't watching it as we strike it? But we always seem to forget to do it. Why? Because it really just isn't interesting enough to keep our attention. Our brain is naturally attracted to our opponent and to our targets to see where we should be hitting. But of course, the result is that we mishit the ball and the ball does not go to our target.
So what is the best way to watch the ball? Well, it's a skill we develop just like any of the strokes in tennis. First we have to watch the ball with the center of our eyes. That means that as the ball gets to us, we actually have to turn our head to see the ball at contact. A player must turn his or her head and see the ball directly through the middle of their eyes.
Second, we should watch the ball go towards our target, but we also want to leave our head down to see contact. How do we combine these two ideas? The trick is that you need to watch the ball move to your opponent's side with your peripheral vision. Watch the ball come into y our hitting zone with the center of your eyes, but leave out the corner of your eye. When you have fully finished your follow through, then it is time to look up and see the ball as your opponent is preparing to hit.
Third we need to learn what to look for. As the ball spins, it will make a different pattern each time. The yellow felt, the white seams, and the black writing will all come together to make spinning artwork. By watching the patterns change and rotate your brain will become focused on recognizing where the ball is going and what you will do when you strike it.
Now when your coach reminds you to hit the ball, you'll know exactly how to do it!
So what is the best way to watch the ball? Well, it's a skill we develop just like any of the strokes in tennis. First we have to watch the ball with the center of our eyes. That means that as the ball gets to us, we actually have to turn our head to see the ball at contact. A player must turn his or her head and see the ball directly through the middle of their eyes.
Second, we should watch the ball go towards our target, but we also want to leave our head down to see contact. How do we combine these two ideas? The trick is that you need to watch the ball move to your opponent's side with your peripheral vision. Watch the ball come into y our hitting zone with the center of your eyes, but leave out the corner of your eye. When you have fully finished your follow through, then it is time to look up and see the ball as your opponent is preparing to hit.
Third we need to learn what to look for. As the ball spins, it will make a different pattern each time. The yellow felt, the white seams, and the black writing will all come together to make spinning artwork. By watching the patterns change and rotate your brain will become focused on recognizing where the ball is going and what you will do when you strike it.
One of the best professional players to emulate is Roger Federer, one of the main reasons he is the top ball-striker in the world is his ability to keep his head down and his eyes on the contact point.
Now when your coach reminds you to hit the ball, you'll know exactly how to do it!
1 comment:
I tested the things you are mentioning,but they do not work on sustainable basis, unless you do them as 6year old or have incredible strong will that very few have, but one thing works and can be incorporated by practice is just seeing the ball(blur)contact and leave(in immediate) the strings-peripherally- which is the moment of absolute truth, unless one misshits whih will cause surprise to both parties. Anything more(or less) is not- simplefied wishful thinking...
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