Tennis allows players many opportunities to show off their athleticism. Athletic ability allows a player to sprint at full speed to make one shot and then sprint back to the other side of the court to hit the next shot. A player has to combine that athleticism with skill to execute putaway shots. When a player gets a chance to end a point with a volley, a half-volley, an overhead smash or a winner down the line, he has to execute shots that require high levels of skill.
Step 1
Move quickly and decisively to the ball. Whether you are hitting a ground stroke or putting the ball away at the net, the sooner you can get to the spot you are hitting from and the earlier you can get your racquet in the proper position, the better chance you have of hitting a winning putaway. Assess where the ball will be and move as quickly as you can to get to that spot.
Step 2
Angle your racquet head down as you make contact when you are in the volley or half-volley zone close to the net. You want to put the ball away, so hitting the ball at a downward angle will keep the ball low and prevent your opponent from getting a legitimate chance to return the ball.
Step 3
Recognize the type of shot that can be put away consistently. You need to get your racquet well over net height before hitting a putaway shot. Some players who play a defensive game use an array of spins to get the ball over the net. Many of those shots look like putaway opportunities, but that is not the case. The backspin on the ball keeps it low and your best shot is to try to return the ball cleanly.
Step 4
Limit your head movement while hitting the ball near the net for a putaway shot. According to teaching pro Ron Waite, head movement while striking the ball will cause you to mis-hit the ball. Consciously decide to stop moving your head and you have a better chance of finishing the shot properly.
Step 5
Follow through after contact. Your first inclination may be to stop the racquet head after making contact so the ball stays on track. However, following through will allow you to take a good shot and turn it into a putaway.
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