Changing direction, and making the ball go where you want it to go, is vital. And it is much harder than most players think! Often we overdo it, and the ball ends up out of bounds or in the net.
Ideally, you want to be able to hit a down the line or cross-court ball from the same position. So we need to practice changing direction.
Step 1: Identify the Right Ball
First, we need to be able to identify what balls provide this opportunity because not everyone does. To change the ball’s direction, we need space…by this, I mean you want the ball away from your body, in front of you. You don’t want the ball in close, with your elbow bent. You want the ball in front of you so you can move your shoulder, not your elbow.
You want to be in a balanced position and generally, the ball needs to be above the net. Don’t overcomplicate your life trying to hit a one in a million shot. Remember, you want to play the percentages….don’t try to pull off a once in a lifetime shot.
Step 2: Focus on the Paddle Face
When practicing direction change you want to practice holding the same position. Don’t move your entire body, instead focus on your paddle. Focus on the face of your paddle guiding the ball towards your target…not only when you make contact but also once the ball has left your paddle.
Step 3: Practice
A great way to practice is to take some chalk and mark the court so you are focused on a specific place you want to hit. With your partner, practice being able to control a longer rally that is not just about getting the ball back over the net but specifically hitting the ball to a target.
If you have three, have two against one. One player on one side (not the middle of the court) changes the direction of the ball while the other two are focused on returning the ball back to him. As you practice analyze your play. Are you better at hitting the ball straight ahead or crosscourt? Is your paddle in front of you? Are you holding the position even after the paddle has left the face of the paddle?
Keep challenging yourself with different targets until you feel confident hitting the ball anywhere on the court from the same spot. Changing direction can be fun!
