What's the effective tatic to surpress topspin opponent?

baselineJoe · 12-14-2012, 01:12 PM

Hello all,

What should I do if my opponent always pulls strong topspin shots that run really high? I hit topspin too but mine don't jump high, instead they jump forward fast. I have been thinking about what might be the best way to surpress my opponent when he tries to pull that kind of shots.

LeeD · 12-14-2012, 01:27 PM

First of all, nothing you can do will assist you to beat a better player than you.
That said, try moving them side to side, never hit into their strongest hitting zone, slice low and biting, and hit winners when they bounce the ball higher than you like.
Can't do those? Well, then he's a better player. He's seen everyone try to beat him doing those things before.
Drop shot him, use low sharp CC slices.
Or hit harder than he can handle.

baselineJoe · 12-14-2012, 01:57 PM

Thanks Lee, definitely want to try it tomorrow!

NLBwell · 12-14-2012, 03:49 PM

Slice low and deep up the middle - keeping the ball around ankle height - and come into the net. Chip and charge.
Most big topspinners don't like the ball low and skidding and approaching up middle reduces the angles for the passes.
You have to be pretty decent in the frontcourt, though.

cll30 · 12-16-2012, 09:43 PM

take the ball early before it has a chance to bounce so high

mikeler · 12-17-2012, 05:25 AM

I'm not telling you how to beat me.

jaggy · 12-17-2012, 05:54 AM

Hit aces and service return winners

mikeler · 12-17-2012, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaggy

Hit aces and service return winners

Crap, you gave up my secret.

drummerdan · 12-17-2012, 11:06 AM

If he's got an extreme (grip or grips), try to keep the ball low and slicing. Step in a chip it. Generally, figure out what he doesn't hit as well and feed him a steady diet of those type of balls. You might also try big, looping topspin, as deep as possible. The key is deep and looping to keep him behind the baseline. That way, he can't hurt you with his big topspin shots.

NickC · 12-17-2012, 11:24 AM

Take away his time. Attack him. Go into the net. Keep the ball low and outside his comfort zone. Don't give him the same look twice.

Bowtiesarecool · 12-17-2012, 12:40 PM

I go into slice mode when these types of players turn up. Get them running back and fourth with baseline slices and hard drop shots just over the net. If you can use his topspin against him by sending it back with even more underspin, chances are good that low bouncing dropper will get him to come in for an attack, and he'll dump it into the net

dyldore · 12-17-2012, 03:03 PM

I hit with extreme grips and heavy topspin and I have the most trouble with low/deep slices and fast/deep flat shots, on a fast court. If you are on slower courts, unfortunately, there isn't much you can do.

Tennusdude · 12-17-2012, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeler

I'm not telling you how to beat me.

I tell opponents how to beat me all the time and guess what? The fools never ever listen to me. They think I am joking. I have a extremely strong forehand, have even been told it is professional level at times. My backhand it weak, at best I can slice the ball back deep or low, but when forced, although I can hit almost any ball back, it is a weak shot which an advance player will crush. I run around most backhands if possible. My tennis game reminds me of the signs on the back of a tractor trailer. Pass on the left and its heaven (backhand) Pass on the right and its suicide (forehand)

Anyone have any ideas what I can do with my backhand. Main problem is weak grip since I dont switch grips from semi western forehand. I am pretty quick around the court but I am getting old now 55 and it wont be long now when I wont be able to run around the backhand.

When I was using a wood racket my backhand was a pure shank shot. Although I found that my forehand was even more precise even if it was less powerful.

VeeSe · 12-17-2012, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tennusdude

I tell opponents how to beat me all the time and guess what? The fools never ever listen to me. They think I am joking. I have a extremely strong forehand, have even been told it is professional level at times. My backhand it weak, at best I can slice the ball back deep or low, but when forced, although I can hit almost any ball back, it is a weak shot which an advance player will crush. I run around most backhands if possible. My tennis game reminds me of the signs on the back of a tractor trailer. Pass on the left and its heaven (backhand) Pass on the right and its suicide (forehand)

Anyone have any ideas what I can do with my backhand. Main problem is weak grip since I dont switch grips from semi western forehand. I am pretty quick around the court but I am getting old now 55 and it wont be long now when I wont be able to run around the backhand.

When I was using a wood racket my backhand was a pure shank shot. Although I found that my forehand was even more precise even if it was less powerful.

Start switching grips... it will help a LOT.

maverick1981 · 12-18-2012, 11:08 AM

big topspin forehand?

like other posters said - hit the ball on the rise, take away your opponents time to load up & recover - start there, and then, decide if you also have the ability to add in movement to your shot. I think taking it on the rise and putting it back deep is your best tactic. If you can also move that shot around its only a plus.

Next - be mindful of your chances. If you know the player hits consistently, with deep topspin, if & when you get an opening, I suggest going for it and go on the offensive quick. Take your chances and recognize an opportunity to jump on them. This will be your window to win.

barringer97 · 12-19-2012, 06:39 AM

Also, if they are hitting big topspin, that means that they are hitting higher balls at the net, which would benefit you if you are at the net.

Hard to pass you with big, looping balls.

dyldore · 12-19-2012, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barringer97

Also, if they are hitting big topspin, that means that they are hitting higher balls at the net, which would benefit you if you are at the net.

Hard to pass you with big, looping balls.

If they can only do that shot. I win a lot of net points because if they do come to net, I'll add a little extra brush and hit the ball closer to the net. By the time the ball reaches them it's at their feet and that's a tough volley for most people.

6-1 6-3 6-0 · 12-19-2012, 09:56 AM

Don't play like Federer. (Federer is troubled by players who play with lots of topspin.)

luvforty · 12-19-2012, 10:11 AM

low slices for sure.... difficult to produce high ts balls off low slices.

LeeD · 12-19-2012, 11:06 AM

Low skidded slices OR high moonballs with topspin before your opponent hit's HIS shot.
Surprisingly, some heavy topspin loop players don't like high bouncing balls.
Check with their grips first, of course.

12-14-2012, 01:12 PM	#1
baselineJoe New User Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 2	What's the effective tatic to surpress topspin opponent? Hello all, What should I do if my opponent always pulls strong topspin shots that run really high? I hit topspin too but mine don't jump high, instead they jump forward fast. I have been thinking about what might be the best way to surpress my opponent when he tries to pull that kind of shots.

12-17-2012, 11:06 AM	#9
drummerdan Semi-Pro Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Wichita, Kansas Posts: 452	If he's got an extreme (grip or grips), try to keep the ball low and slicing. Step in a chip it. Generally, figure out what he doesn't hit as well and feed him a steady diet of those type of balls. You might also try big, looping topspin, as deep as possible. The key is deep and looping to keep him behind the baseline. That way, he can't hurt you with his big topspin shots. __________________ Men's and Women's Head Tennis Coach, Friends University Volkl Powerbridge 10 Mid, BHBR 16ga, 58#, 4.5 all court, USRSA MRT

12-17-2012, 11:24 AM	#10
NickC Professional Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: University of Arizona Posts: 1,426	Take away his time. Attack him. Go into the net. Keep the ball low and outside his comfort zone. Don't give him the same look twice. __________________ 2x Prince o3 Tour MP - Polystar Energy 17g at 54 pounds, lead at 11 and 1 Se habla Espanol.

12-17-2012, 12:40 PM	#11
Bowtiesarecool Rookie Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: New Smyrna Beach, FL Posts: 261	I go into slice mode when these types of players turn up. Get them running back and fourth with baseline slices and hard drop shots just over the net. If you can use his topspin against him by sending it back with even more underspin, chances are good that low bouncing dropper will get him to come in for an attack, and he'll dump it into the net __________________ PS85, 367g/345sw, Pacific classic@58

12-17-2012, 03:03 PM	#12
dyldore Rookie Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: so cal Posts: 128	I hit with extreme grips and heavy topspin and I have the most trouble with low/deep slices and fast/deep flat shots, on a fast court. If you are on slower courts, unfortunately, there isn't much you can do. __________________ Playing since 2003. Left Handed. Western Forehand. I like to run. :) Racket: APD. String: Still testing strings.