fuzz flies after every hit = too much spin?

[Power Player]

I have been using a western grip with my forehands again. It generates a lot of spin and a lot of times the ballfelt flies off when i hit it. I have always wondered if this is common and means anything. The ball is landing where I want with pace.

[MTChong]

I have been using a western grip with my forehands again. It generates a lot of spin and a lot of times the ballfelt flies off when i hit it. I have always wondered if this is common and means anything. The ball is landing where I want with pace.

Not that hard to figure out, is it?

[user92626]

I have been using a western grip with my forehands again. It generates a lot of spin and a lot of times the ballfelt flies off when i hit it. I have always wondered if this is common and means anything. The ball is landing where I want with pace.


Yes, it means that the ball has a lot of spin and lands where you want with pace. Shouldn't your name already comfirm this? LOL.

[Essential Tennis]

I have been using a western grip with my forehands again. It generates a lot of spin and a lot of times the ballfelt flies off when i hit it. I have always wondered if this is common and means anything. The ball is landing where I want with pace.

I think the answer to your question completely depends on the type of shot you're trying accomplish, and what the circumstances are in the point. Simply hitting your target, while certainly good, isn't the only thing we want to take into account. The ball flight is going to tell you exactly how much topspin you're putting on the ball, forget about how much fuzz is coming off, thats going to change depending on conditions. The more curved the ball flight is the more rotation you've put on the ball, the flatter it flies the less rotation. Which is better? Well that completely depends on the point situation you're hitting in.

For example, if the forehand you're hitting is on a weak, easy ball and you're trying to finish the point, hitting a high loopy ball doesn't make sense, even if you do hit your target exactly, you're giving your opponent too much time to get to your shot while its going up into the air and then curving back down. That would be an example of too much topspin, and its more than possible to hit loopy, and yet with good "power" as well.

"Loopy" can also be a very good thing. If you're on the run and want to hit a shot the buys you some time, and yet isn't wimpy and weak, hitting a heavy topspin shot deep in the court is a great option. With enough topspin you can still hit at a good pace, and clear the net by four or five feet which buys you some time to get back into position and ready for the next shot.

Would hitting 5 feet over the net on the weak, short shot make any sense? No it wouldn't, so in that situation, that type of shot would be "too much top spin".

So basically, you want to be able to hit heavy top spin, and also be able to flatten it out to put balls away as well depending on the situation. Is how much fuzz comes off the ball a good indicator of either? No absolutely not. To answer your question directly: no, it means nothing. Whats important is the path the ball takes as it travels through the air.

Hopefully thats helpful

[Power Player]

I know it seems like a rhetorical question, but I just always wondered if that was normal or if I was overswinging. Just trying to regroove my swing after 16 years away from the game.

I am trying to hit hard and still conserve energy, which is a fine line.

Just because you hit a ball hard and with pace does not mean that your technique can not be improved.

Anyway, thanks Essential..it means nothing..that is all I wondered. I used to live up in Mt Airy as a kid..I remember Frederick quite well.

[Sleepstream]

Which balls are you using?

[Essential Tennis]

I know it seems like a rhetorical question, but I just always wondered if that was normal or if I was overswinging. Just trying to regroove my swing after 16 years away from the game.

I am trying to hit hard and still conserve energy, which is a fine line.

Just because you hit a ball hard and with pace does not mean that your technique can not be improved.

Anyway, thanks Essential..it means nothing..that is all I wondered. I used to live up in Mt Airy as a kid..I remember Frederick quite well.

Sure no problem, glad I could actually give you a helpful answer, heh.

Ya Mt Airy is 5 miles from where I live, we're in New Market right now, a good friend of mine lives in Mr Airy.

You're absolutely correct, technique can always be improve upon. If I can help you any further feel free to contact me through my site.

[Power Player]

Which balls are you using?


Great question. Gamma depressurized practice balls with some Prince thrown in there.

That is probably why I noticed more felt flying -- cheaper balls.


Essential, ill check out your site!