Over-Hitting (Going for Too Much)
Also known as: over-hitting, overhitting, going for too much, going for too much in tennis, hitting too hard in tennis, going for winners too early
You keep going for too much when you pick a shot that is riskier than the ball allows. Usually it is too much pace, too close to the lines or too early in the point. Fix it by aiming bigger targets, adding net clearance and waiting for a short ball to attack.
Over-hitting is trying for more than the situation allows. It shows up as balls into the net or long, and as winners attempted from deep behind the baseline. It is one of the main sources of unforced errors at club level.
Players over-hit for a few reasons. Some get impatient in long rallies. Some feel pressure against a stronger opponent. Some judge a shot by how hard they hit it rather than whether it went in. Others have not learned which balls are attack balls.
Fix it with simple rules. Aim a few feet inside the lines. Clear the net with room to spare. Hit hard only from inside the baseline or on short, high balls. From deep or on the run, play a neutral ball and wait. Track your errors in practice so you know where your misses go.
Tips by skill level
In practice, aim to clear the net by about double its height. It cuts net errors and adds depth.
Sort balls into defend, neutral and attack. Go for more only on attack balls, and keep the margin on the others.
Example
She keeps missing forehands near the sideline from deep in the court. She starts aiming at big targets in the middle of each half and waits for a short ball. Her error count drops and she wins more long rallies.
Why it matters
Most points at club level end in errors, not winners. Cutting your over-hitting is often the fastest way to win more.
Common mistakes
- Aiming at the lines from behind the baseline
- Trying to end points in two or three shots
- Hitting harder after a miss instead of adding margin
- Judging shots by speed rather than results
Frequently asked questions
Why do I keep going for too much?
Usually the shot is riskier than the ball allows. You may be hitting too hard, too close to the lines or too early. Aim bigger targets and wait for a short ball.
How do I stop over-hitting in tennis?
Aim a few feet inside the lines, clear the net with room to spare and attack only short, high balls. Play a neutral ball from deep.
Sources
Related terms
- Unforced ErrorAn unforced error is a point lost to a player's own mistake. They had reasonable time and position for the shot and little pressure from the opponent.
- Shot SelectionShot selection is the real-time choice of shot type, direction, pace, and spin. It depends on court position, ball height, opponent location, and score.
- Net ClearanceNet clearance is how high your shot passes over the net. The net is 3 feet (0.914 m) high at the centre and 3½ feet (1.07 m) at the posts (ITF Rule 1). Rally balls with topspin can pass well above the tape and still land deep. Keep low clearance for passing shots, attacking balls and shots hit from close to the net.
- Rally ToleranceRally tolerance is a player's ability and willingness to extend rallies without forcing a risky shot. It shows in rally length and patience under pressure.
- Percentage TennisPercentage tennis means choosing the shot most likely to go in and win the point over time. You aim at safe targets, clear the net with margin and attack only when the ball allows. It is about winning more points, not hitting the most winners.
Related guides & benchmarks
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