Can You Actually Hit 'Through' the Ball?

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instructional column

Can You Actually Hit ‘Through’ the Ball?

of Joe

In “Cup of Joe,” we want to evaluate accepted methods of how tennis should be played and coached in the context of the modern game. Some readers may conclude that many of the accepted ways of thinking are now obsolete; other readers may feel their importance is reinforced. Either way, we want to hear from you—about this current topic and on other topics you’d like us to address. Email me at joe@oncourtoffcourt.com and we will try to publish your comments in future columns.

By Joe Dinoffer

USPTA and PTR Master Professional

T

he notion that we should hit “through” the ball has been around for decades, but what does it really mean? Can we really hit through the ball? How long is contact? With lighter racquets and faster racquet-head speeds, is this instruction still relevant? If you’re curious to see if this instruction should be sent to your recycle bin, read on.

Q: I’ve heard that the length of time the ball is in contact with the strings is very short. How long does it last?

©susan mullane

Cup

Waking up to the facts and myths of winning tennis.

Q: What kind of racquet-head swing speed do different playing levels create? A: It’s not so much about different levels since some beginners swing quite fast. The ball may not go in the court, but the swing may be quick! Think of it this way: On average a 50 mph racquet-head swing speed will create a 65 mph ball speed. Likewise, at higher levels, a 100 mph swing speed on the serve will create a ball speed of approximately 130 mph.

Q: OK, take a 50 mph swing speed on a A: Through the use of high-speed video, we groundstroke as an example. Over what dis-

know that the ball and racquet are usually in contact for 2 to 3 milliseconds, or about 1/250th of a second. Considering that the human eye cannot even see an event this fast take place, that’s not much time. (Note: The human eye can only see as fast as 1/60th of a second.) 34

TennisLife magazine

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tance is the ball in contact with the strings?

A: Very good question. It’s also interesting that you mention the swing speed on a groundstroke in relation to hitting through the ball. We never hear anyone speak about hitting through


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