Ball Characteristics
To accurately describe the nature of an approaching ball (or the nature of a ball to be sent), it is necessary to specify 5 interrelated variables:
- Height
- Direction
- Distance
- Speed
- Spin
These 5 variables are called the 5 Ball Controls. It is important that players understand these variables for two reasons. First, the characteristics of an oncoming ball are key factors in determining a player's appropriate tactical response. Change the characteristics (e.g., High versus low, fast versus slow, deep versus shallow, etc.) and the appropriate tactic can change dramatically. Second, when selecting a tactic, the player must have a clear picture of the characteristics of the ball to be sent (i.e., what direction, with what spin, how high, how fast...). Training a player to send a ball that has the desired characteristics may require working on the player's technique.
The 5 variables are, of course, interrelated. For example: Distance is determined by speed, spin and height.