Flat vs Spin

[_maxi]

Hi. I was watching this video of Kohlschreiber backhand and paying attention to how roddick's loopy forehand helped philipp to get all those backhands in a more confortable position.

Personally I think that flat shots are just simply better. The ball reaches the other side faster, bounces less, and I think its more "effortless" to hit than a loopy shot.

Also, flat shots are more difficult to do. That is great in the long term because it's a challenge that makes you have more skills with the time.

Please vote

[Leelord337]

*voted a little less spin than average* because it would penetrate through the court more, blake does this well, but its also important to use the topspin for passing shots because they dip so low

[Vyse]

All flat is not effective. Personally, I love verising people with flat shots cuz they go to my strike zone and will usually have pace. It is quite nice. Even if you play with topspin, there will always be time to hit it flatter

[jms007]

A mix is the best i think. Spinny for neutralizing and defending, Flat for attacking.

[Migelowsky]

I didn't vote, it seems that if you choose one you exclude the other, and I think all of this options have different purposes .
Work the rally with spin, hit it flat to end it, depends also the surface and the opponent.

[Max G.]

Originally Posted by _maxi

Also, flat shots are more difficult to do. That is great in the long term because it's a challenge that makes you have more skills with the time.

Please vote

That's exactly why flat shots aren't as good - because they're more difficult. That's a downside, not an upside.

The name of the game is to make your opponents do hard things over and over while you do easy things over and over.

If you're voluntarily making life more difficult for yourself, you're giving your opponent a built-in advantage.

(I didn't vote. Different things for different surfaces and different situations. Also, "average" compared to who? Among top pros, even flat hitters hit with a reasonable amount of spin.)

[prattle128]

Originally Posted by Max G.

That's exactly why flat shots aren't as good - because they're more difficult. That's a downside, not an upside.

The name of the game is to make your opponents do hard things over and over while you do easy things over and over.

If you're voluntarily making life more difficult for yourself, you're giving your opponent a built-in advantage.

(I didn't vote. Different things for different surfaces and different situations. Also, "average" compared to who? Among top pros, even flat hitters hit with a reasonable amount of spin.)

This man has got it figured out.

[MuseFan]

Looking at the grand slam winners of recent years, heavy topspin is the name of the game(Fed, Nadal, Nole). Del Potro is a change with his flat hitting.

[MuseFan]

Originally Posted by _maxi

Hi. I was watching this video of Kohlschreiber backhand and paying attention to how roddick's loopy forehand helped philipp to get all those backhands in a more confortable position.

Personally I think that flat shots are just simply better. The ball reaches the other side faster, bounces less, and I think its more "effortless" to hit than a loopy shot.

Also, flat shots are more difficult to do. That is great in the long term because it's a challenge that makes you have more skills with the time.

Please vote

It's maybe more effortless to hit a high-arcing shot, but one with high pace and big spin is another deal altogether. Generating around 4000rpm is only for immortals like Fed, Nadal and Verdasco.

[Cantankersore]

This poll is silly.

[prosealster]

this should not be in pro player discussion...

anyway...flat shot was effective in the 90s...current condition of heavy ball, slow court needs spin for penetration....plus the players these days are so consistant, and gets every thing back, so u need spin to increase margin for error, and the current generation also hit with bigger stick and better footwork, u need some spin to increase the unpredictability of the bounce....these guys can half volley flat shot for winners all day long...

[CMM]

Nice spin, no?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD0LmoC0yyY

[David L]

Originally Posted by CMM

Nice spin, no?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD0LmoC0yyY

That was a flatter shot than the one's Nadal usually hits. It was not loaded with the same spin his typical loopy forehand has. That's what the original poster is asking. Is it better to hit a harder flatter shot like this, or a slower loopier one with more top spin?

[David L]

Originally Posted by prosealster

this should not be in pro player discussion...

anyway...flat shot was effective in the 90s...current condition of heavy ball, slow court needs spin for penetration....plus the players these days are so consistant, and gets every thing back, so u need spin to increase margin for error, and the current generation also hit with bigger stick and better footwork, u need some spin to increase the unpredictability of the bounce....these guys can half volley flat shot for winners all day long...

No they can't. This is higher risk play, even for them. Only a few players can take the ball that early with any degree of reliability.

[NamRanger]

Originally Posted by David L

No they can't. This is higher risk play, even for them. Only a few players [in the history of the sport] can take the ball that early with any degree of reliability.

I fixed it to add emphasis.

[David L]

Originally Posted by NamRanger

I fixed it to add emphasis.

Yes. I actually meant in the history of the sport as well, although I didn't write it.

[Gorecki]

delete post

[quest01]

I'll say an average amount of spin is the best. If you hit with too much spin the ball just floats back in the court with no force behind your shots but if you hit too flat there is a high margin for error. I like it inbetween.

[svijk]

its the biggest reason Nadal loses to the big righties with a 2bh.....his lack of a flat shot.....all his loopy forehands are returned easily

[CMM]

Originally Posted by svijk

its the biggest reason Nadal loses to the big righties with a 2bh.....his lack of a flat shot.....all his loopy forehands are returned easily

Sadly, you're right.