Many players have the misconception that they should have the same technique and swing no matter what. While it is true that you want your technique to be as consistent and similar as possible, there are times in a match where you will be forced to make small changes to your preferred swing, and if you are unwilling to do so, the result will be many errors. If you are struggling to return a fast serve or hit on the run, it’s likely that your swing timing is off.
Shortening your backswing is a good idea to make it easier to time your swing. This will help you make sure the contact point is out in front. If you take the racquet back the same way you would on a routine shot, then it is unlikely that you will get the racquet back to the point of contact by the time the ball has passed it. Even if you catch up to the ball in time, if the ball is moving extra fast and you are taking your normal swing, the shot will be much more difficult to control and can easily sail past you.
Watch some of the pros’ return of serve to see a good example of what shortening your swing should look like—specifically, their return of first serves. You will notice that the backswing is the first part of the swing to be cut out. Depending on how fast of a serve they are dealing with, they may cut the backswing in half, in a quarter, or eliminate it and treat the return as a volley. There is enough pace already coming at them; they don’t need a backswing to get pace behind their shot. They just need to redirect whatever is coming at them. You will also notice that the follow-through is often unchanged; this is the last part of the swing you want to sacrifice. The follow-through directs the ball and ensures that you are pushing the ball forward through the point of contact. Without that follow-through, many balls will land shorter in the court and sit up higher. You will only see pros sacrifice this part of the swing if their balance or timing is compromised in a way where they have no other choice.
This is the same blueprint that you should try to follow in your game. When you are rushed, try cutting down on your backswing. It is ok to change your swing from time to time as long as you understand why you are doing it. If you are off balance or already dealing with a lot of pace, then you don’t need a normal backswing because you don’t need to be creating pace of your own; you want to redirect what’s coming at you. But remember that you usually will need to follow through for direction and aiming purposes, so if you have a choice, try not to sacrifice that part of the swing!
By Austin Barr, Head Tennis Pro
