Top of the Bounce (Choosing Contact Height)
Also known as: top of the bounce, peak of the bounce, hit at the top of the bounce, let the ball drop, contact height on groundstrokes, when to hit the ball after the bounce
Hitting at the top of the bounce is a good default for an attacking groundstroke. The ball is at a comfortable height and is moving slowest up and down. Take it on the rise when you need to steal time. Let it drop when you are pushed back and need more time.
Every groundstroke has a choice of when to hit. You can take the ball on the rise, at the top of the bounce or as it drops. Each choice changes your court position, your timing and the opponent's time.
At the top of the bounce, the ball briefly stops rising. It is easier to time, and it is often around waist to chest height. That is a strong place to hit with pace and spin. Many coaches teach players to move to that spot on a neutral ball.
Taking the ball on the rise gives the opponent less time. It needs good timing, a short backswing and standing closer to the baseline. Letting the ball drop gives you more time but pushes you deeper. That suits defense, very high balls and clay. Choose by the situation, not by habit.
Tips by skill level
Rally and call out "top" when you hit at the peak. It builds a feel for where that height is.
Move forward to meet attackable balls at the top of the bounce. Stay back and let the ball drop only when you need time.
Example
On a deep, high ball he steps back and lets it drop to waist height. On a shorter ball he moves in and takes it at the top of the bounce to attack.
Why it matters
Where you take the ball decides how much time you and your opponent get. Choosing well turns neutral rallies into chances.
Common mistakes
- Always waiting for the ball to drop and drifting deep
- Trying to take every ball on the rise with a long swing
- Letting high balls climb above your shoulder
- Standing still instead of adjusting position
Frequently asked questions
Should I hit at the top of the bounce?
Often, yes. It is a comfortable height for an attacking shot. Take the ball earlier to rush the opponent, or let it drop when you need time.
Is it better to let the ball drop in tennis?
Only when you need more time, such as on very high or deep balls. Letting every ball drop pushes you deep and gives the opponent time.
Related terms
- Hitting on the RiseHitting on the rise means meeting the ball on its way up, soon after the bounce, instead of waiting for it to peak or drop. To do it, stand on or just inside the baseline, turn early, shorten the backswing, stay low and make contact out in front with a steady racquet face.
- Contact PointOn a forehand, meet the ball out in front of your body, at a comfortable distance to the side and around waist height. A one-handed backhand meets the ball even further in front, and a two-handed backhand a little closer to the body. On the serve, hit the ball at full reach, slightly in front.
- High BackhandFor a high backhand, step in and take the ball before it climbs above your shoulder, or move back and let it drop. If you must hit it high, turn early, set the racquet level with the ball and swing more level through contact. A high, deep slice is often the safest reply for one-handers.
- Tennis No-Man's LandNo-man's land is the area between the service line and the baseline. Standing still there is risky. Balls land at your feet and force half-volleys or low volleys. It is fine to pass through it on the way to the net. Split step there as the opponent hits, then keep moving forward or back.
- Adjustment StepsAdjustment steps are the small, quick steps you take just before contact to fine-tune your distance from the ball. After the big steps that get you there, shorten your stride and keep your feet moving until the ball is in your strike zone. They fix being too close, too far or late.
Related guides & benchmarks
Work on the cause
Video shows how you move, not the ball itself. Film one swing to find the movement behind this result — free to start.
See a sample Tennis report first