Handling Pace (Hard Hitters)
Also known as: handling hard hitters, handle hard hitters, playing a hard hitter, playing against a hard hitter, handling pace in tennis, fast groundstrokes, big hitter in tennis
Against a hard hitter, shorten your backswing, turn early and meet the ball in front. Use their pace instead of adding your own. Aim crosscourt with good net clearance, step back a little if you need time, and mix in slices and deep, high balls to break their rhythm.
Fast balls give you less time. Many errors against hard hitters come from late preparation and an over-long swing, not from weak strokes. The fix starts with a split step timed to the opponent's contact and an early unit turn. The racquet should be back before the ball bounces.
Shorten the backswing to fit the time you have. Keep the wrist firm and meet the ball out in front. Let the incoming speed supply most of the power. A compact, firm stroke sends the ball back hard. Swinging harder to match their pace usually means mistimed shots. Give yourself time by standing a step or two farther back. If you are comfortable, block the ball on the rise instead. Aim crosscourt over the lower middle of the net with good margin. Redirecting a fast ball down the line is harder and riskier.
Hard hitters like rhythm and a ball at waist height. Change both. A deep, high ball to the backhand takes pace away and makes them create their own. A low slice makes them hit up. Keep the ball deep and through the middle to cut their angles. Make them hit one more ball. Hard hitters often miss when rallies get long.
Tips by skill level
Rally with a partner who hits hard. Say 'turn' out loud as the ball leaves their racquet, use a short backswing and aim deep crosscourt.
Absorb and redirect. A firm, compact stroke on the rise sends their pace back with little effort. Pick high-percentage targets until you are set.
Example
A big-hitting opponent keeps rushing her. She steps a little farther back, shortens her take-back and blocks the ball crosscourt with a firm wrist. Then she mixes in high, deep balls to his backhand, and he starts missing as he tries to create pace from shoulder height.
Why it matters
Pace is hard to handle mainly when your preparation is late. Compact strokes and smart targets can turn an opponent's power into your advantage.
Common mistakes
- Taking a full backswing against fast balls and hitting late
- Trying to out-hit the hard hitter
- Going for the line down the line off a fast ball
- Giving them the same rhythm and height they like
Frequently asked questions
How do I handle hard hitters in tennis?
Turn early, shorten your backswing and use their pace with a firm, compact stroke. Aim crosscourt with margin. Mix in high, deep balls and low slices so they have to create pace themselves.
How do I return fast groundstrokes?
Split step as they hit, turn right away and keep the swing short. Meet the ball in front and let their speed do most of the work. Stepping back a little buys time.
Should I hit hard back against a hard hitter?
Usually not. Matching their pace with a big swing leads to late, mistimed shots. A compact swing redirects their pace. Changes of height and spin break their rhythm.
Related terms
- Short Backswing CompensationShort backswing compensation means shortening the backswing under time pressure to force contact "on time," losing racquet-head speed and stored energy.
- Block ReturnA block return uses almost no backswing. A firm, stable racquet face absorbs the serve's pace and redirects the ball back deep.
- Split StepA split step is a small hop timed to the moment your opponent strikes the ball. It primes your legs to push off explosively in any direction.
- Unit TurnA unit turn is rotating the hips and shoulders together as one unit to prepare for a groundstroke. The arm does not take the racquet back on its own.
- Moon BallA moon ball is a very high, heavily topspun groundstroke. It disrupts rhythm and buys recovery time without going as high or defensive as a lob.
- Counter-Punching StyleCounter-punching is a defensive-minded style that absorbs an opponent's pace, redirects it back with consistency and depth, and waits patiently for the opponent to make the error.
Related guides & benchmarks
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