On my backswing, (I use a semi-western forehand grip), what are the general rules in regards to generating spin/power. It seems as though when I flatten out my backswing (racquet face parallel with the ground), I hit more topsin, which happens to land shorter, is somewhat flat in trajectory, and the shot I mishit the most. When I open the face of my racquet more on my backswing, I still hit some topspin, however it just overall feels weaker, but more of a consistent shot. Do my interpretations correlate to other's experiences, and if so, does anyone have any recommendations on what type of backswing to use on different shots? Thanks........
My Backswing
- Thread starter jb193
- Start date
Bagumbawalla
G.O.A.T.
I would suggest that you not consciously think about the angle of your racket head at impact. With enough practice and "grooving" of your strokes, these fine adjustments will take place on an unconscious level.
Instead, concentrate on watching the ball, footwork, getting into position, shifting your weight foreward-- through the ball in a strong, smooth motion.
During your stroke you will want to vary the amount of topspin by hitting through the ball at a lesser or greater angle (low to high)-- depending on the circumstances. A medium amount of spin to keep the ball deep and move your opponent about. A flatter shot to put away a short ball-- usually hit across the lower part of the net. Lots of spin to create an angle shot or dip the ball to your opponent's feet.
Practice against a wall until you can generate any spin at any time.
Good luck,
B
Instead, concentrate on watching the ball, footwork, getting into position, shifting your weight foreward-- through the ball in a strong, smooth motion.
During your stroke you will want to vary the amount of topspin by hitting through the ball at a lesser or greater angle (low to high)-- depending on the circumstances. A medium amount of spin to keep the ball deep and move your opponent about. A flatter shot to put away a short ball-- usually hit across the lower part of the net. Lots of spin to create an angle shot or dip the ball to your opponent's feet.
Practice against a wall until you can generate any spin at any time.
Good luck,
B
You are correct, but I must say that slight deviations in my stroke mechanics when bringing the racquet back does have significant effects on the way I hit balls and I was just wondering what others do.
In the past, when I hit with an open racquet face on the back swing, I noticed that I just blocked the ball back a little too much, literally hitting backspin and playing defensively. As of recent playing, however, I now consciously make myself and flatten out my backswing which helps me drive through the ball. Even though I have played for years and have experimented in the past with this, this is the first time I have really focused on this part this closely.
In the past, when I hit with an open racquet face on the back swing, I noticed that I just blocked the ball back a little too much, literally hitting backspin and playing defensively. As of recent playing, however, I now consciously make myself and flatten out my backswing which helps me drive through the ball. Even though I have played for years and have experimented in the past with this, this is the first time I have really focused on this part this closely.
Bagumbawalla
G.O.A.T.
True, a slight angle deviation at one baseline can magnify to an out ball near the opposite baseline.
The thing is, these minute sdjustments are often beyond our conscious control (especially during fast-paced play when you have no time to think).
Get a hitting partner, wall, or ball machine. Experiment with different strokes until you find what works for you-- then practice, practice, practice, hitting the different strokes/spins untill the feel of the shots becomee a part of you. Then, during a match, when you need a certain spin/angle-- it is already there in you mind and muscle-- you don't have to think about adjustments, it just comes naturally.
The thing is, these minute sdjustments are often beyond our conscious control (especially during fast-paced play when you have no time to think).
Get a hitting partner, wall, or ball machine. Experiment with different strokes until you find what works for you-- then practice, practice, practice, hitting the different strokes/spins untill the feel of the shots becomee a part of you. Then, during a match, when you need a certain spin/angle-- it is already there in you mind and muscle-- you don't have to think about adjustments, it just comes naturally.
BabolatFan
Semi-Pro
I agree with Bagumbawalla. You'll just have to practice to train your stroke memory. I don't mean to jam your head with more stuff but you should also develope different grips to hit different balls at different court positions. Nalbandian, Hewitt and Baghdatis are some interesting pros to study. They really hit thru the ball solidly. So does Andy Murray.
