In this video, our player is learning to generate topspin in a two-handed backhand stroke. This type of spin creates a downward force on the ball as it passes the net, that pulls it downward into the court. Topspin gives a player the advantage of a more powerful shot without hitting the ball out. Additionally, a good topspin causes the ball to bounce off the ground with more forward force than a flat ball. We can see if the ball has topspin by looking at its forward rotation and steep downward trajectory at the end of its parabola.
Effects on the tennis ball
Flat
- there is no rotation / spin on the ball
- a player hits the ball with the racket head perpendicular to the coming ball, at 90º
Topspin
- has a forward rotation / spin
- a player rotates the head of the racket over the top of the ball when hitting it
Slice
- has a backward rotation / spin
- a player angles his racket back and slides it underneath the ball when hitting it
How to create topspin
Key takeaways
The main learning points from this tennis lesson for beginners are:
- Use the continental grip in your dominant hand and eastern or semi western grip in your non-dominant hand to generate topspin.
- Prepare the backswing with the racket held in an upright position using both hands.
- Swing forwards and impact the ball from low to high by brushing the top of the ball.
- The ball follows a steeper downward path once it crosses the net than a flat ball.
- To enhance the spin, it is good to bend your knees before hitting.
By adding topspin to the ball a player can hit with more control!
In this video, Javi gives key tips to beginner players to be able to start hitting the two-handed backhand stroke with topspin. He is also demonstrating two exercises to practice adding spin to the ball when hitting backhands from the baseline.
Exercise 1
Prepare the racket in an upright position before the shot
3 sets of 15 balls
Exercise 2
3 sets of 15 balls