How to add topspin ?

[Juksosah]

Maybe it sounds like a silly question, but i'm still a begginer at this game and I read everywhere on this forum that it helps to keep the ball in play.

However, adding topspin on my forehand stroke I tend to swing the racquet low to high more and that produce a short ball (midcourt) with topspin, which is an easy ball for my opponent. When I try to adjust and swing forward it goes long, w less topspin I guess.

Could someone explain me how to hit w topspin a forehand stroke ? I mean how to "brush the back of the ball "?

 

[lucky leprechaun]

I'd suggest, and you may already be doing this, hitting it with a more closed stance than an open stance that you see on TV all the time. You're just learning controlling topspin right now not attacking topspin. Having a closed stance while you focusing on the low to high will provide you the solid base to judge the effects of the brushing action of your arm. If it lands short you're brushing too much, long, not enough. I'd also suggest hitting the ball while its coming down and not try to do any advanced stuff like taking it on the rise etc. Once you "get it", the magic of topspin that is, the rest is just honing and development of your forehand into whatever form it's pre-destined to become.

 

[H34dF13xP7]

I would suggest getting more strength, and flicking the wrist----but for begginers-i would suggest just swinging fast low to high and preactice that around a million times

 

[Osteo UK]

Sounds like you are looking to find something in between your "topspin" stroke and your "depth" stroke?

Perhaps find a wall (maybe a high wall!) and practise your topspin there. If you are hitting a decent topspin, the ball will appear to spin up off the wall more than if you hit it flat. Depending on how many times you let it bounce (ideally just once, but don't fret too much) you can practise close up or further away. Maybe try and watch the writing on the ball spin before and after?

My own thought about hitting a topspin with depth is to do with "contact time". Often, hitting harder or for depth with newbies can involve a "quick shot" and less contact time. If you try to keep your strings in contact with the ball for a fraction longer while hitting through it, you may well find that you start to "feel" a bit more.

 

[Juksosah]

Yeah I have that feeling of a quick, non-controlled shot when I sail long. I feel that the ball just don't stay long enough in those strings.

Maybe too much forward momentum or bad swing path ? I dont know.

I then switch to a super-slow swing w topspin that end in midcourt.

How do you develop that control ???

 

[ta11geese3]

practice =p

 

[Osteo UK]

practice =p

There's your answer!

Even the finest piece of technical advice still needs to be practised.

"Practice makes permanent".

 

[Marius_Hancu]

check the topmost thread here (the Sticky)
my posting on Forehand Issues
many links and clips

 

[HappyLefty]

I had the same problem some years ago. I solved it in two ways:

1. Opening racquet face.
2. Returning the ball very clear over the net. Try to practice with an extra height in the net, maybe using a rope o similar.

Try it in the court and tell us.

 

[Juksosah]

I played a match yesterday and commited a lot of UE. That ball was sailing long.. fortunately the other player did even more UE so I won the match. That doesn't matter that much anyway...

I always try to open the racquet face for my topspin htis and it works fine for deep but slow balls. I can put them high and deep with a slow, controlled swing. But when a A) fast ball B)low ball comes then i'll usually hit them out and i tell myslef that's because of my racquet face too much opened, or short (I just close more the racquet face)



I felt a slight pain on my elbow by the end of the match (not tennis elbow, but golfers elbow). If that can help you fix the problem with my swing

 

[HappyLefty]

I played a match yesterday and commited a lot of UE. That ball was sailing long.. fortunately the other player did even more UE so I won the match. That doesn't matter that much anyway...

I always try to open the racquet face for my topspin htis and it works fine for deep but slow balls. I can put them high and deep with a slow, controlled swing. But when a A) fast ball B)low ball comes then i'll usually hit them out and i tell myslef that's because of my racquet face too much opened, or short (I just close more the racquet face)



I felt a slight pain on my elbow by the end of the match (not tennis elbow, but golfers elbow). If that can help you fix the problem with my swing

It is hard to help you more without seem your shots. Ask a pro to help you with your technique. It is usual that when you practice a new shot, different muscles are used and consequently the pain you mention. Do not forget these are your first shots. To master a shot is a matter of practice, the most important is to understand the principles behind this shot and practice them.
Wish it helps.