š Academy Focus: Mastering the Forehand Topspin Drive
Weāre breaking down the forehand topspin driveāa must-have shot that gives you the power to pressure opponents while keeping control through topspin.
Whether you’re looking to drive on the third shot, punish a pop-up, or attack from the midcourt, this shot can be a game-changer if you have the right mechanics in place.
Letās dive into the three key components we want you to dial in:
1ļøā£ Footwork & Spacing
Your feet set the foundation. If your feet are off, the shotās off.
- Stay light and mobile so you can adjust to the bounce.
- Create optimal spacing between your body and the ballāabout an armās length out front. Use your non-dominant hand to pretend to catch the ball, this will create the right spacing for you.
- Load your legs and transfer your weight forward to drive through the ball.
2ļøā£ Paddle Positioning: Slotting the Paddle Head
This is where your topspin starts.
- Begin with the paddle head down and positioned by your dominate leg. We want to eliminate the back swing and catch the ball when it comes to our paddle.
- Use a low-to-high brushing motion to create that beautiful arc and topspin, we are trying to keep the ball on the paddle longer to create the top spin.
- Think brush, not slap. You’re sculpting the shot, not smashing it.
3ļøā£ Follow Through
Where the paddle finishes, the ball follows.
- Let the paddle finish across your body at shoulder height, or higher depending on the ball height.
- A smooth follow-through helps with spin, depth, and consistency.
- Allow your dominate leg to swing through the shot with you.
š„ Why the Topspin Drive Matters:
- Topspin = Margin for Error: The topspin brings the ball down quickly, allowing you to hit harder while still keeping the ball in.
- Sets Up the Offense: A strong drive can force weak volleys or pop-ups, setting up your next shot at the net.
- Disrupts Your Opponentās Rhythm: When mixed with drops and dinks, the drive adds unpredictability to your game.
š§ What to Practice This Week
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Footwork firstāget in position
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Brush up from paddle slot
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Let it fly with a full follow-through
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Record yourself and check spacing, balance, and finish
This is the kind of shot that makes a difference at every level, but especially as you start taking on higher-level competition. Master it now, and your game will thank you later.
Letās keep building your game one shot at a time. Youāve got this! šŖ
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