Description:
Jerry Jaffe
This video reviews techniques for the short game. Your goal from the non-volley zone is to make the ball bounce on your opponent’s side of the court. This forces your opponent to hit the ball up so you can hit the ball back down and try to win the point.
One technique to remember when you’re at the kitchen line is that you should be ready for either a volley or a short ball. In this instance, you should have your paddle up in front of you ready to go. If the ball comes as a volley, you’ll be in a position to hit it forehand or backhand at your sides. If the ball is hit to you slower and is either a short ball or a dink, you’ll be in a position to reach your paddle down, move to one side or the other if necessary, and hit the ball with your forehand or backhand.
Another lesson to remember is how the shoulder is a huge part of the game. Whether it’s a drive shot, a return of serve, or a volley, it’s all coming from the shoulder and the shoulder makes everything else work. The ball goes where the paddle goes and the more steady you can keep your paddle, the better it’s going to be.
If you’re in a position where you’re reaching the paddle down in front of you, you essentially want to lift the ball over the net. You want to use your shoulder and your legs to move forward. When done properly, there’s very little that can go wrong with this type of shot.