Topspin lob grip.

Robert Jones · 05-20-2004, 06:59 PM

I'm a decent lobber using backspin or touch but have not really tried a
topspin lob. Do you just change to a more severe western grip and lean back to get the upward angle?

Just wanted an idea of the proper technique so I can practice some.

Is the stroke as hard as a normal ground stroke? Meaning the same spin only you aim higher or tons of spin and aim higher?

Thanks!

perfmode · 05-20-2004, 07:02 PM

Just aim high and whip the ball with the same speed.

Camilio Pascual · 05-21-2004, 03:41 AM

Ther topspin lob is my best shot. I used to use a full Western, now I use a SW, either will do. I know what you mean about leaning back, I often deliberately hit lobs off my back foot and open my stance a little. I think it clears my arm more from my body, which makes it easier for me to bring my swing up at a very steep angle. Otherwise, my technique is pretty much the same as a groundstroke. Don't be scared to hit it very high, 30 feet is not too high. Keep accelerating through the ball to give it plenty of topspin. A lot of people don't do that for fear of sending it long so they put less top on it and it...goes long. And don't worry too much about it going short, if you have put a lot of top on it, it is still a difficult overhead for most 3.0 - 4.0 players, they'll hit some spectacular winners, but they will also send enough long or into the net to make this mistake affordable. When you first try TS lobs, send them slightly long and see if you can increase your TS to bring them in. You can practice by yourself, use Gamma's or Tretorn's Micro X multicoloured pressureless balls out of a hopper and watch the spin you put on them and the result you get. Good luck.

PHSTennis · 05-21-2004, 06:38 AM

TS lobs... I use a semi-western I just it hit wiping up... like windsheilding... but a little more bite.

Frank Silbermann · 05-22-2004, 07:46 PM

Use your regular grip. Going more towards the western will make it harder to lift the ball, and a topspin lob must be lifted moreso than a regular drive.

A topspin lob doesn't travel as high as a defensive lob, and your biggest worry (aside from blowing the shot) is that he'll smash it before it gets behind him. So disguise is also important, and you lose that if you change your grip -- especially if the difficulty of lifting the ball forces you to contort your posture.

Tim Tennis · 05-23-2004, 04:15 AM

I think you can use any forehand grip as long as you can create an extreme vertical swing path with plenty of racquet head speed. I think the key is not to chicken out on the shot (which I do a lot and don't generate enough racquet head speed.), accentuate the follow through and make sure you don't open up your racquet head angle.

You got to love the game.

Dranguyengon · 05-23-2004, 01:48 PM

I use a continental grip and i whip it like a wind shield wiper. The racquet has a slightly open racket face when i do that and the upward motion puts heavy topspin.

Robert Jones · 05-24-2004, 07:25 AM

Some very good tips here thanks! Just need some time to practice it.

05-20-2004, 06:59 PM	#1
Robert Jones Rookie Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 226	Topspin lob grip. I'm a decent lobber using backspin or touch but have not really tried a topspin lob. Do you just change to a more severe western grip and lean back to get the upward angle? Just wanted an idea of the proper technique so I can practice some. Is the stroke as hard as a normal ground stroke? Meaning the same spin only you aim higher or tons of spin and aim higher? Thanks!

05-21-2004, 03:41 AM	#3
Camilio Pascual Hall Of Fame Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,800	Ther topspin lob is my best shot. I used to use a full Western, now I use a SW, either will do. I know what you mean about leaning back, I often deliberately hit lobs off my back foot and open my stance a little. I think it clears my arm more from my body, which makes it easier for me to bring my swing up at a very steep angle. Otherwise, my technique is pretty much the same as a groundstroke. Don't be scared to hit it very high, 30 feet is not too high. Keep accelerating through the ball to give it plenty of topspin. A lot of people don't do that for fear of sending it long so they put less top on it and it...goes long. And don't worry too much about it going short, if you have put a lot of top on it, it is still a difficult overhead for most 3.0 - 4.0 players, they'll hit some spectacular winners, but they will also send enough long or into the net to make this mistake affordable. When you first try TS lobs, send them slightly long and see if you can increase your TS to bring them in. You can practice by yourself, use Gamma's or Tretorn's Micro X multicoloured pressureless balls out of a hopper and watch the spin you put on them and the result you get. Good luck. __________________ "In theory, there is no difference between practice and theory. In practice, there is." Lawrence Berra

05-22-2004, 07:46 PM	#5
Frank Silbermann Professional Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 989	topspin lob grip Use your regular grip. Going more towards the western will make it harder to lift the ball, and a topspin lob must be lifted moreso than a regular drive. A topspin lob doesn't travel as high as a defensive lob, and your biggest worry (aside from blowing the shot) is that he'll smash it before it gets behind him. So disguise is also important, and you lose that if you change your grip -- especially if the difficulty of lifting the ball forces you to contort your posture.

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