In this lesson, we examine the punch on the court. In particular, we are interested in knowing how much speed can be produced from the punch alone. In the video below, I am standing just behind the service line so that, when I strike the ball, the point of contact will be just about at the service line. I am intentionally hitting the ball into the net so that we can record a precise measurement of the distance that ball travels.

Punch Speed Analysis

Click on image to see video

The distance from the service line to the net is 21 feet. By examination of the video, shot at 30 frames per second, we see that the time of transit is just under 10 frames, or 1/3 of a second. Dividing distance by time, we get an average ball speed of 63 feet per second or about 43 mph. The maximum speed would be higher, as measured by radar as the ball leaves the racquet. This fact demonstrates that the punch can account for more than 50% of the ball speed.

The significance of this is that the racquet path must be very stable through the acceleration stage to ensure that the value of the punch is fully realized at contact. Other important conclusions are that the punch is what gets players out of tight spots, such as having to run wide for a forehand, and that the punch can be used to return an offensive shot from a defensive position. In short, the punch is the key to power, and every other part of the stroke plays a supporting role in ensuring that the punch is executed cleanly.