Most tennis players are aware of changing directions, varying depths and adding spin. What many forget is how effective it is to change speeds. We have all heard the saying, “they like a hard ball.” However, if you take pace off, often a winning shot or error can be created.
The easiest way to slow the ball is to adjust your backswing. A longer backswing creates more depth; a shorter one creates less depth. This depends on two factors, the speed of the ball and how soft or tight you squeeze your hand. If someone hits it hard, by sticking my racquet out and squeezing my grip tight, it can end up at their baseline. If I soften my hand, the ball could clear the net and land short, forcing them to move in. This tactic also works if the ball is hard at your feet and softened low and short, to stay in the point not creating easy shots. Changing speeds just might create new opportunities!
