Hello all, I've recently noticed my inconsisancy when returning drops with a net shot that are farther away from the net. I know that it is important to loosen up your fingers and wrist when returning drops, but these shots seem to be too far away to tumble. Most of my opponents shots are fast sliced drops to give u an idea of what I am returning. I am not usually in a position to return these very high, nor am I getting there late, I just feels as if I cannot get a nice feeling for the bird when hitting these shots. Can anyone give a few tips is returning these shots or listting some useful drills? THnx PLoppers
If the shot is too far away from the net there is no way you can consistently tumble it. My advice is right now not make your shots perfect but make them go over. As you progress make your shots closer. A good drill for this is have a partner stand on the opposing side of the net behind the front service line (you too) and just hit to each other on forehand and backhand. When you get better (or for doubles) use 2 birds.
thnx 4 the replys, so I guess some shots you just can't tumble (I used to think i just didn't have a good feeling for the bird)
Well, you can tumble the shuttle from that distance but it's such a low percentage shot, very hard to do and get over the net successfully.
what I've started to do if its too far away (something I picked up from Ardy) is to do a really loopy net shot that goes up kind of high then comes straight down very close to the opposing side of the net. Tumbling a shot that is more than a foot away from the net is really tough! Not many international players do it b/c its too hard to do consistently. Another option if you are early enough is holding the bird a while and flicking back past your opponent or if you are really early holding the bird long enough for your opponent to stop in center of court and play a fast net shot.
