Types of Overheads and Which One to Use from Where.

Types of overheads defined.

Push Overhead- In tennis terms, this might be a medium-high volley.  This is an overhead that you let drop and hit horizontally.  This shot's purpose is to keep it low, deep, and softer. 

Spin Overhead- Putting slice (side spin) on an overhead to the screen can create a tricky bounce for the opponent.  This is similar to a spin serve in tennis and requires a continental grip. 

Topspin Roller- This shot is hit between the shoulders and waist like a topspin tennis swing (low to high).  This shot hits the court and accelerates into the screen, creating a tricky bounce.  An excellent idea is to hit rollers right at the opponent, forcing them to move to the side.

Waterfall- The ultimate down and up overhead.  These are often done on shorter overheads where you can spike it into the short court, which causes the ball to bounce high over the head of the opponent and into a corner. 

Power- power into a corner or back screen can create movement.

Reset Overheads- from deep in the court, you want to hit an overhead that neutralizes the opponent's good lob and resets your advantage.  These are hit for depth and often to the safe middle target. 

What Overhead should you Hit?

When hitting overheads from the green you should be aggressive with rollers, waterfalls, drop shots, hard shots off the back screens, drop angles, and cutters. 

When hitting overheads from the yellow you should get your shots to the opponent’s weakest screen, change pace, spin, and direction, and think about this shot as a setup for your next shot. 

When hitting from the red attempt to be safe and create safety by hitting reset and push overheads with no spin or pace and keeping the ball deep.

When hitting from the blue you should consider calling your partner back with you and giving up the net.  You could hit up on a volley and attempt to keep it away from a blitzing net player, but this could be difficult.