Hit the ball hard or soft?

I had the chance to play an A player who played in England. He told me he took some lessons from Jahanghir's coach who told him to whack the ball as hard as he can!

Now this seems to contradict the advice I have been receiving, i.e hit the ball higher and softer (service line and above) to get good length.

Are these just two different playing styles? Or is that hard hitting something to master only after I learn the slower and higher game?

I am an aspiring junior player from New York, but I am now at the 4.5 level. About hitting hard or soft: I have never before heard the advice relayed to you from Jahinger's coach. My reaction would be to say that it is crazy, although i am very hesitant to question his ideas, for he surely knows much more than i do. Anyway, I would suggest that you not think of the question as an either or one--meaning that the two options are not mutually exclusive. Very much to the contrary, I would say that any good player's game MUST include both techniques at different times. It would be silly not to use both.

For one thing, switching speeds keeps your opponent from establishing his rythm as easily. For another, the two types of shots can work in different situations. If your opponent hits a very hard, somewhat loose rail, for example, which comes well off the back wall, you should probably give it a wack. You could, of course, try playing a soft, high, tight ball for good length, but it is not as good of a choice, for to put pressure on your opponent, you will have to hit the shot nearly perfectly. Since he will not be rushed for time, he will only have dificulty if the shot is EXTREMELY well-placed. In that case, therefore, i would suggest a hard shot, to try to put a more modest amount of pressure on your opponent; he will probably return your shot, but hopefully he will at least be a little rushed.

The soft high shot, however, is very useful when you are under pressure--when you are on the defensive. IF you boast, for example, and your opponent then hits a hard cross-court from the front of the court, the soft high shot is a good idea. It is good because lifting the ball high and soft gives you time to recover and get back to the T. Although your opponent will also have ample time, if you are on the defensive, getting back to even--meaning he goes back to the corner and you take the T--is an improvement. I hope this is helpful. In a word, mix and match hard and soft shots; use them to compliment each other.

I'm a Spanish player who loves the game. Played for 15 years and I've been in the international spectrum. All I can tell you is: The one who hits harder wins. It's just a matter of being able to keep your own pace. But I've played guys with wonderful shots who never beat me and players who just volleyed and hit great back lenghts kicked my a...

Anyways, it's good to have shots which make you able to improvise sometimes, but if you hit a good hard length, your opponent will have to run back for it, and you will be in the T.