Feeling The Stroke In Tennis Compared To Golf
I have a question regarding feel in tennis. I have played various sports and have spent most of my junior years playing golf.
I know its probably difficult to compare the two sports but I was wondering at contact should the feel be the same.
I know when a golf ball is hit properly the feel is always light almost as if you are hitting air and it always feels like you can hit the ball further because it felt so effortless.
Should hitting a tennis ball feel the same way in that at contact the ball should feel light on the racquet?
Right now my contact does not feel right in that it is not the same feel as with the hitting a golf ball.
I am thinking that maybe the contact does not feel the same because its easier to create leverage using the golf club where in tennis the racquet is shorter and you are trying to hold and let the ball sink into the strings and use the rebound effect to create power.
Plus I know my mechanics in tennis are not that good. But since I am starting out in the sport I was just wondering what type of feel I should be striving for.
Very good question.
When you hit the ball “right” in tennis, it feels very easy and effortless. In order for that to happen (to feel that) you need to hit the ball in the middle of the strings - sweet spot - and your arm must not be too tight.
In fact, your whole body from legs up to your wrist in somewhat relaxed. Not sloppy but elastically relaxed. It’s quite hard to explain in words.
The grip tension is also very important. If you grip the racquet too tight you lose the feel. If you grip the racquet too loose, you’ll lose control.
But in 99,99% of the cases players grip the racquet too hard so I suggest that you try holding the racquet with less of a “death grip”. 
What also helps to develop feel is playing mini tennis. And later progress to 3/4 distance and eventually to the baseline.
You can also try this question: what is the LEAST amount of effort needed to hit the ball to the other side?
Try that and you’ll find the right feel.
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