How can you improve your ability to take the ball on the rise? (VIDEO)

Hey guys, if you're like me... it was a challenge learning to play the ball on the rise. That's why I made this video. Give it a watch and see if it helps your ability to play the ball on the rise!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5d3yefTfe4&feature=youtu.be

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Permalink Reply by Mark / The Mayor on April 24, 2015 at 8:26am

This was a nice little bit of instruction to introduce newer players to the idea of catching the ball on the rise. It is a good first step with minimal swing - more like bunting the ball back. Well done, Ramon! Agassi was the king of catching the ball on the rise. I heard him teach young players to not fall into the trap of TOO BIG of a backswing. He would advise young players that they just will not have time with the large loopy backswings that they are teaching today. What are your thoughts on this?

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Permalink Reply by Ramon Osa on April 25, 2015 at 12:09pm

Thanks Mark! I appreciate the feedback. I heard Agassi's dad used to put the "dragon machine" at the service line and fire balls 100mph + and Agassi would have to play the ball on the rise. No wonder he was the king!! I think the backswing should always be in rhythm with the ball that is being received. In other words, If you get a floater, you can afford to be a little bigger (and slower) in your backswing... but on a bullet, it's best to keep your hands more in front with a minimal "backswing". If the hips are connected to the racket in the correct way (i.e. the kinetic chain is working), there will be more than enough power generated on a faster ball, even with more of a "bunt". I like the analogy of jumping on a moving train. If a train is going 15 mph, you should be running 15 mph in order to get on it. The backswing, in my opinion, should be directly proportional to the ball that is being received. This creates a connection to the ball, and results in more consistent play, in my experience. What do you think, Mark?