Tennis Tip: How To Hit Angles

Hitting angles can be a very powerful strategy especially against opponents that don’t move too well.

In this video OTI Instructor Nadim Naser shows you the keys to hitting effective angled shots.

These shots can be super effective in singles and in doubles and fortunately they only require some minimal technical adjustments from your basic forehand or backhand stroke.

Nadim is offering a 2-day technique transformation clinic in Florida at the end of October.

[RobertHurleyJr]

Good to see a technical video on a concept mostly lacking in tennis teaching. This is a high percentage way for many of us to play more like Marcelo Rios. But I also agree with Claudio and Tom. The fact that he talks with a fast nervous energy. And Tom's point of what role the feet play in hitting such a shot. Well done.

[dkangan]

This is very useful instruction. A lot of times the attempt to make an angle is only half way successful, and you touch on the reason that occurs.

[sejfokavazovic]

Hi,
Great instruction for hitting angles. Thanks Coach Safe

[johnnytang]

Very clear instructions, thanks will try that and see what happens.

[ebenburger]

U need to hit the ball on the outside for backhand shots too😀

[petersnizek]

Not so sure I got the concept of this angled shot - maybe I missed something. I would be using this top-spin type shot as shown in your video from the baseline if I wanted to force my opponent to move out of the court and open up the other side of the court (due to tactical reasons). But in no-man's land I would hit the ball (assuming it comes as a top-spin) while rising or shortly before it reaches its top altitude after it bounced off the ground with a flat, aggressive stroke into one of the short corners, going for a winner (how else would you react on a too short top-spin that bounces off from no-man's land?). If I had to play it in defence e.g. as a short angled passing shot in response to a sliced, low jumping volley, I'd give the ball some extra spin by hitting it slightly above the sweet spot close to the top of the racket which provides it with some extra top spin, and then lead my follow through swing above my left should (as a right hander) which gives the ball the needed lifted trajectory. I am playing with Eastern grip. Don't know whether your video is directed to people playing western or semi-western.

[josephwalsh]

Good lesson, Nadim. I did think it was interesting, though, that you talked about hitting the outside of the ball and brushing up on the ball, but not once did you mention taking the ball early. For me, on both fh and bh that is crucial, for going crosscourt with a more acute angle.

[runescape]

Sure looks a lot like the Smart Targets by a coach here in Atlanta!

[harmanchannel]

great lesson, what your forehand grip?

[brianoconnor]

I rely on a backhand slice, do you recommend developing the two hander for short angles as well or as more of an offensive weapon?

[vividvivvi]

Basically to hit angles u need to aim ur racket to where u want and turn ur body

[Zukhraf]

Where should you position yourself after hitting that angle? Thanks

[redbull]

Hi Nadim,
I'm currently using a Babolat Pure Aero 2017 racket with gamma moto soft poly strings at 59LB tension and 17 gage. Finding the strings stiff and not getting enough playability+feel though good control and spin. Any suggestions on strings, tension and gage in this situation? I'm looking into Luxilon ALU power with 57lb tension and 17 gage or a hybrid possibly?

[ptom]

what about foot placement, foot direction !

[chtomlin]

Bit of a knockoff of the original "Smart Target" concept, but not as developed or accurate. Look at SmartTargetTennis on Facebook for a more comprehensive reference & to get a better understanding of the issues involved. I still gave him a thumbs up for a pretty good demo on the concepts he shares here.

[cuongluu]

When ball drop like this so easy control ...

[kevintoth]

Could you give me your string specs please.

[MAli-srrf]

Not to play those angle at an early stage, GOT It,
Me 1 day later PLAYS ANGLE SHOTS

[workhardalways]

Thxu much i destroyed my player with 6-3 and 6-2

[tennis_derevnja]

western grip + forearm rotation + support leg push -> a lot of tangential dynamics on the ball = power [spin + speed]