flatter shots?

[newbie123]

I have a tendency to put a lot of topspin on the ball. Theres so much topspin that sometimes its too much. Sometimes I will end up hitting loopy shots...which doesnt seem to work well in doubles. Not saying that I dont want the topspin..but sometimes it takes away the depth and pace I get on my shots. I have a Western forehand and I'm very comfortable with it. However, I want to be able to learn to hit flatter shots so I can use them when needed. I do not want to change my grip..so what things can I do to hit flatter shots?

[perfmode]

Just learn to hit harder. You are stuck with the spin if you are Western.

[brijoel]

Originally Posted by perfmode

Just learn to hit harder. You are stuck with the spin if you are Western.

that couldnt be further from the truth.....
do you honestly believe that someone like tommy haas cant flaten out his shots? i can garuntee he doesnt change grips to hit flatter.
i in fact hit with a grip a bit beyond semi western and have never had a problem flatening out my shots and in fact dont hit with all that much spin in general.


its fairly simple, open up the racquet face more at contact, reduce the low to high motion and concentrate on keeping your swing as parallel as possible to the ground throughout the shot. (adjust to your liking and situation ofcourse)

stuck with spin.....i think not

[Kobble]

Originally posted by brijoel
"concentrate on keeping your swing as parallel as possible to the ground throughout the shot."

That is right on. The guys who crank the ball insanely hard on the forehand bring the butt of the racquet through on the straightest path.

[jings]

Take the ball a tad earlier as well ... easier to hit that flatter plane with the ball lower down.

[touchytennis]

take the ball on the rise (waist height), then just force it through with a parralell swing to the gorund... of course it would be a lot easier to do this whilst not 5 foot behind the baseline