How would you describe spin?

[PrincessAdam]

To a young player who doesn't understand the concept and importance of spin, how would you describe it? Something simple

[BMC9670]

I think it's easier to show to kids. Get a ball with stripes and roll it so they can visualize spin. Then, transfer the concept to hitting. The striped ball is great for visualization.

[LeeD]

Are you sure you're not asking..... How can I get a junior to embrace the idea he/she needs to hit with spin?...

[slice bh compliment]

I think spin is when you take the truth and you turn it into something else that is not entirely true, but it serves your purposes. Marketing basically. Politics. The news. Propaganda. Public relations. Advertising. Rationalizing.

[klu375]

Originally Posted by PrincessAdam

To a young player who doesn't understand the concept and importance of spin, how would you describe it? Something simple

Tell him that if he hits with spin he can hit as hard as he can and the ball will still stay in (and will clear the net). Show him what happens if he hits flat - the ball will either go into the net or he will have to stop his swing to control the ball.

[widmerpool]

You can have a kid stroke the ball with the palm of his hand with topspin. It's impossible for that not to sink in.

I don't think a beginner will quite feel like his ball is dropping or sailing depending on spin.

They just have to hit with topspin. Later, they will say how it helps.