There are many things on the court that are intuitively learned, but there are others that must be rationally understood before they enter the space of sensations. One of these things is Where do you aim your shots. Here I am not talking about tactical questions, but simply about the target you choose to direct your shot. Normally we talk about areas, margins, directions, angles or placement of the ball, but we will see one of the basic aspects that can help you to give more criteria to your vision of the court. Most players do it unconsciously, but understanding where do you aim your shots will generate more order in the game.
It is more difficult to hit the farthest target
What has been said must be logical, right? A target at 22 meters will be more difficult to hit than another at 11 meters. Now let’s imagine a tennis court and create two aims in it: one in the place where we want our ball to bounce and the other at the height of the net. The difference is almost double. If we aim at the place where we want the ball to bounce, this target will always be further away than the one above the net.
There is one thing to keep in mind, which is the feeling of different ball trajectories. By varying them, between shots, with more or less margin on the net, we have to develop the ease of visualizing the curvatures of the ball. With the height and spin that we give to the ball, we must know its possible placement on the other side of the court.
Aim over net heights in neutral or defensive shots
As we have said, the targets above the net are closer. Visualize a margin scale on the net and develop (you will have already done it if you are at a certain level) sensations of trajectory and spins of the ball. By choosing a neutral or defensive shot, you will have a much better chance of hitting if you aim for the closest target: above the net. That will give you much more security, taking into account that security and percentages are what we are looking for in this type of shot.
When attacking, aim at the area where you want the ball to bounce
On the other hand, there are also aggressive shots: pressure or attacking strokes. Normally in this case we look for greater precision and we reduce margins. Therefore, in these shots, you must choose the area or the placement where you want the ball to bounce as the target of your shot. In this case, the target will be further away and the shot will be more risky, but choosing this type of shot means that you are in a position to assume it.
Where do you aim your shots?
- Neutral / aggressive hitting – above the net.
- Pressure / attacking shots – in the area where you want the ball to bounce.
So when you are looking for more control, choose the closest objective and, in case you are looking for more precision, choose the place where you want the ball to bounce. As I said at the beginning, at the moment of action, during the point, our mind should not interfere. Therefore, after machining this, or any other work, pass it through the filter of sensations. This way you can use it intuitively and apply it on the court to improve your game.
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