Let’s talk about something that can instantly make your tennis more dangerous — and it has nothing to do with swinging bigger, hitting flatter, or trying to “crush” the ball.

Most club players try to play fast by hitting fast.

But the real way to play fast, effective, repeatable tennis?

Take the ball early.

Both approaches—hitting harder or taking time away—can pressure your opponent.
But only one of them holds up under fatigue, nerves, and real match conditions.

Let's break this down.

Why Taking It Early Beats Hitting Harder

1. Hitting Harder Shrinks Your Margin

When you try to play faster by swinging faster, everything tightens up:

• Timing window shrinks

• Contact point must be perfect

• Spacing has zero forgiveness

• Small errors become big misses

Hitting harder looks great on Instagram…
…but over the span of a real match?

It’s wildly inconsistent.

The harder you swing, the more fragile the timing becomes.
One late step, one bad bounce, one rushed decision — point gone.

2. Taking It Early Creates Pressure Without Risk

Taking the ball early doesn’t rely on racquet speed.
It relies on:

• Body positioning

• Court awareness

• Clean preparation

• Shorter, more efficient swings

Instead of trying to create “explosive power,” you’re creating explosive pressure by taking away the opponent’s time.

You don’t need to swing bigger at all —
sometimes you can even swing less.

And yet your opponent feels:

• Rushed

• Uncomfortable

• Late on their own contact

• Like they’re constantly reacting

You control the tempo by controlling the timing.

3. Early Contact Is Repeatable Under Pressure

Ask yourself:

A huge backswing, maximum-speed forehand?

Or taking one step forward, shortening the backswing, and meeting the ball early with good height?

Every high-level player — from pros to top juniors — builds their game around repeatable pressure, not highlight-reel pace.

Taking the ball early is a skill you can trust on any day, on any surface, under any mental state.

How to Take the Ball Early (Without Changing Your Technique)

This is where most club players get stuck.
They hear “take it early” and think:

“I need to stand on the baseline all the time.”
“I need Federer timing.”
“I need a pro-level swing.”

Nope.

Here’s how to start — simply and effectively.

1. Start by Moving Forward First, Not Swinging Faster

Before every neutral rally ball, ask yourself:

That’s it. Don’t overthink it.

If you normally drift back, break that habit.
If you normally wait for the ball, step to meet it.

You’ll already be taking time away without swinging harder.

2. Shorten the Backswing — Especially When You Step In

You do NOT want a huge loop when the ball is rising toward you.

Use this cue:

Short back. Strong through.

• Set the racquet early

• Keep it compact

• Drive through with your legs and body

• Don’t try to flatten it too much

Early contact pairs perfectly with compact swings.

3. Aim With Margin, Not Lines

This is where most players sabotage themselves.

If you’re stepping in and taking it early, aim:

• Deep middle

• Deep cross

• With good height

You don’t need sharp angles.
You don’t need risky winners.

You’re forcing inside-out pressure just by being early.

4. Use the Bounce to Your Advantage

Taking it early doesn’t always mean on the rise.

There are three “early” contact zones:

1. On the rise (most pressure)

2. At the top of the bounce (most control)

3. Slightly after the peak (best blend for club players)

Pick the version that fits the ball you’re receiving — not the one you think looks the coolest.

5. Play With Your Feet, Not Just Your Hands

You cannot take the ball early with lazy footwork.

Every early ball needs:

• A small approach step

• Balanced stance

• Chest facing the ball early

• A simple, committed weight transfer forward

You don’t need to be fast —
you just need to be first.

The Big Takeaway

When you hit harder, you’re relying on timing.
When you take it early, you’re relying on positioning.

One collapses under pressure.
One carries you under pressure.

Next time you play or practice, ask this question on every neutral ball:

Try this for even 10 minutes and you’ll feel the difference immediately.

You’ll rush your opponents, simplify your swings, and control more rallies — without trying to hit bigger.

See you on court,
Chris & Cade

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