overheadsmashlob response

A Missed Overhead May Start With the First Step, Not the Arm

Backpedaling under the ball costs both balance and contact position.

A Missed Overhead May Start With the First Step, Not the Arm

Start with this check

Reading the lob late and moving straight backward keeps you from reaching the landing area and leaves contact behind your body.

Try these steps in order

  1. As soon as you see the lob, turn sideways and move with crossover steps.
  2. Point toward the ball as you adjust to its landing area, and first get farther back than you think you need.
  3. Repeat balanced contact into a generous target through the middle of the court instead of going for a winner.

Bottom line

A good overhead begins not with jumping ability but with feet that turn early and arrive behind the ball.

Reviewed sources

Technical evidence is shown separately from community topic signals.

Technical evidence

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