Hitting flat Vs spin

[johnchung907]

I hit 50/50. If it's on the forehand side and it's a normal ball, I usually hit flat. If it's low on the forehand side, I usually hit with spin. The backhand side is basically the same thing for my 2-hander except if I switch to my one-hander (which I do occasionally such as some approach shots, passing shots, and half volleys) it's always a spin ball (back and top).

[dlam]

It's the hardest to control and hit a truly flat ball
Everyone ball has some spin
I don't believe in 100% flat
During the match depending on the stroke some balls are spinning more than others

The poll makes no sense
When the ball spins it is measure by rpm
What the %spin%flat?????
Try rpm please

[NLBwell]

Some people can't deal with generalities.

[dlam]

There is no such thing as flat and spin at the same time
Either it spins or it's is flat
There is relatively speed of rotation of ball spin and therefore cannot be flat
Lock this thread please

[TennisCJC]

I never hit flat - never. I always hit some spin on every shot. I vary the amount of spin, trajectory and pace but everything spins. If it ain't spinning, you ain't playing. On the other hand, I try to not be a super spinny player except for 2nd serves and topspin lobs where I go for lots of spin.

[Mahboob Khan]

Originally Posted by dlam

There is no such thing as flat and spin at the same time
Either it spins or it's is flat
There is relatively speed of rotation of ball spin and therefore cannot be flat
Lock this thread please

Flat means that the ball is not turning (not spinning). In my playing as well as coaching life I have not seen a flat ball .. a ball which is not turning or not spinning.

In my 40 years of tennis experience I do recall about 4 or 5 shots which turned may be 3 or 4 times, yes, it did turn.

When we say flat we mean low ball with less spin.

[TomT]

Originally Posted by Mahboob Khan

When we say flat we mean low ball with less spin.

Yes, that's what I've always taken it to mean. For example, the return shots in the vid are 'flat', but they have some small amount spin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PERTN3ranI

[Roy125]

Originally Posted by dlam

There is no such thing as flat and spin at the same time
Either it spins or it's is flat
There is relatively speed of rotation of ball spin and therefore cannot be flat
Lock this thread please

Flat in tennis means with less spin and lower trajectory than high-topspin shots and this term is also used with tennis commentators and analysts as well. For example, players in the older days in tennis used to hit very flat balls relative to today. I find the the question on whether to hit flat or spin to be important when determining one's playing style; those that hit flat shots usually are more aggressive while those that spin the ball in more are usually the ones defending.

[rkelley]

Originally Posted by mightyrick

Ever since I started playing tennis, I have hit very flat and hard with little spin. Flat swing plane. Follow through across the body. Almost zero low-to-high. However, I reached a peak and am unable to beat several 4.0 players. Even though I am highly accurate and hit very hard, 4.0 opponents don't have an issue dealing with my pace.

For that reason, in the last month, I have been reworking my forehand to a topspin forehand. I have changed my grip from an Eastern grip to a Modified/Extreme Eastern. I am learning how to "break" my wrist and make it passive. I am trying to swing very fast and loose with a lot of low-to-high on every shot.

I find myself framing a lot of balls. I have lost matches to several 3.5s who I would have crushed with my flat forehand. But when I hit a heavy topspin shot correctly, none of my opponents have been able to handle it. So I'm sticking with it.

I'm hoping after after a few months of practice and matches, my forehand is effective enough to be able to compete with 4.0s again.

Hang in there and learn it. You'll be glad you did. Use the wall, ball machine, and shadow swinging to help learn the new swing path.

Good luck.

[Relinquis]

make sure you're able to hit both... you benefit form the ability to mix things up in matches and even during points.

[BMWprestigem3]

When I am rallying for fun, I use spin.

When playing a match I mix it up.