TennisOne Lessons

The Potent Topspin Forehand

By Doug King

Introduction

The complete player commands topspin and underspin on both forehand and backhand sides. Using the grid as shown in the following photos, we can examine the swing path to the ball, and this grid will allow you to visualize how to spin the ball. With practice, you too can control the inside out topspin drive, or the outside in driving slice.

Note some key points. My shoulders are well turned prior to contact, the backswing positions show a relaxed arm, posture is excellent, knees are well bent, and I am totally concentrated on the ball.

Beginning the swing from below and inside the ball, the racquet motion is up and out, swinging inside out. Focus on hitting the ball on the lower left quadrant.

Feet Position

I hit with an open stance. I am clearly positioned on my back or right foot prior to the forward swing. My wrist is laid back and the butt of the racquet is pointing towards the ball.

At contact the racquet is well in front, wrist laid back in an "L" shape , and my weight has entirely shifted to my left side.

During the upward motion, note that the racquet face does not roll over the ball, but rather brushes up the back of the ball.

The full and aggressive follow-through produces the heavy topspin drive, used on the baseline to force the opponent into errors or into weak returns. Notice the finish, the elbow is up.