When you’re just starting out in sports like tennis, padel, or even golf, it’s tempting to swing as hard as you can. After all, power feels impressive! But here’s a little secret: control beats power every time. Learning to hit the ball softer—with precision and placement—will actually make you a better player.

The Problem with Always Hitting Hard

Beginners often assume that harder hits = better performance. But here’s what really happens when you over-swing:

• You lose accuracy – The harder you hit, the harder it is to control where the ball goes.
• You tire faster – Big, forceful swings drain energy quickly.
• You make more mistakes – Uncontrolled power leads to more errors, like hitting out of bounds or into the net.

Instead of brute force, focus on consistency and strategy.

The Benefits of a Softer, Controlled Hit

1. Better Ball Placement

When you ease up on power, you gain the ability to:

• Aim precisely (e.g., placing the ball where your opponent isn’t).
• Keep the ball in play longer, forcing your opponent to make mistakes.
• Develop touch and finesse, which are key for advanced shots like drop shots or lobs.

2. Improved Consistency

Soft, controlled strokes help you:

• Maintain proper form (instead of sacrificing technique for power).
• Reduce unforced errors by keeping the ball in play.
• Build confidence as you see more successful shots.

3. Smarter Energy Use

Hitting softer means:

• Less fatigue – You won’t wear yourself out in the first 10 minutes.
• More stamina for long rallies or matches.
• Better reaction time – You’ll be ready for the next shot instead of recovering from a wild swing.

How to Practice Control Over Power

Drill 1: The 50% Power Rule

• Try hitting at half your usual power.
• Focus on keeping the ball in play for as long as possible.
• Gradually increase power only when you can consistently place the ball well.

Drill 2: Target Practice

• Place a towel or cone on the court as a target.
• Aim to land the ball softly on or near it.
• Reward accuracy, not speed.

Drill 3: Slow-Motion Swings

• Practice your swing in slow motion to perfect form.
• Gradually speed up while maintaining control.

Yes, power has a place—especially when it’s controlled. Once your technique is sound, you’ll naturally generate more speed with less effort. Until then, focusing on precision over power is the fastest way to get better.

So next time you play, try hitting softer. You might be surprised at how much better—and more enjoyable—your game becomes!