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Original source: Feel Tennis Instruction
This video from Feel Tennis Instruction covered a lot of ground. Streamed.News selected 6 key moments and summarises them here. Everything below links directly to the timestamp in the original video.
This simple partner drill can immediately correct a player's feel for forehand topspin, replacing a common but flawed coaching cue.
Coach-Assisted 'Roll' Drill Corrects Forehand Topspin Sensation
A simple partner drill can instill the correct physical sensation for hitting forehand topspin. A coach holds their racket firmly, establishing the proper contact point well in front of the player. The player then places a ball on their strings and physically rolls it up and over the coach's stationary racket, focusing on maintaining a bent wrist.
This exercise provides a tangible feeling for the combined forward and upward motion required for topspin. It is immediately more effective than the abstract instruction to "brush up," and players can translate this feeling into a live ball swing for a much better result.
"Try to roll the ball the way you rolled it up on my racket. And it's immediately much better than telling them to brush up on the ball."
Partner Drill Instills Proper Contact Point for Backhand Topspin
The 'press and roll' concept can be effectively applied to both one-handed and two-handed backhands with the help of a coach. A partner holds a racket in place to define the correct contact point. The player then practices rolling a ball up and over the stationary racket, allowing the arm and wrist to complete a natural follow-through.
This method is superior to the 'brushing up' cue because it physically demonstrates the proper stroke mechanics. Performing just a few repetitions of this drill gives the player a clear kinesthetic feeling to replicate when hitting a live ball, leading to immediate improvement.
"You try to do the same and it will immediately be better than brushing up on the ball."
Advanced Topspin Technique Combines a Direct 'Slap' with an Upward Swing Path
The way to hit advanced topspin is more complicated than simply brushing the ball. The correct technique is to 'slap' the ball, delivering a direct, firm hit, but to execute this action on an upward swing trajectory. This applies equally to the forehand, one-handed backhand, and two-handed backhand strokes.
The direct, slapping contact provides power and penetration, while the upward path of the swing generates the necessary topspin. This combination is what allows advanced players to hit heavy, penetrating shots that are difficult for opponents to handle.
"My swing path is up, but I'm still slapping the ball. And that's how we hit a more advanced top spin."
Solo 'Press and Roll' Drill Develops Topspin Feel Without a Partner
A player can develop the correct feel for topspin without a coach by using a solo version of the 'press and roll' drill. One method is to press a tennis ball against a fence or wall and practice rolling it upward. Alternatively, a player can hold a second ball against their racket face with their non-dominant hand and practice rolling it with their dominant hand.
This exercise forces the player to apply forward pressure before initiating the upward rolling motion, ingraining a much more effective feel than the flawed concept of 'brushing up.'
"Press into the ball and roll and you will already get a much better output than brushing up on the ball idea."
Developing Topspin Begins with Mastering a Flat, 'Slapping' Stroke to Build Power
The correct execution of topspin in tennis is a combination of slapping and spinning the ball. Before a player can learn to generate effective spin, they must first be taught to hit the ball flat. This foundational step is crucial for learning how to lag the racket head, a key component of generating effortless power.
The sensation of a proper flat stroke is more akin to 'slapping' the ball. Mastering this allows a player to generate significant pace with minimal effort, creating the essential power base upon which topspin can later be layered.
"The actual way how we hit top spin in tennis is actually a combination of slapping and spinning the ball."
Demonstration Shows How Flawed 'Brushing Up' Cue Produces Weak Shots
The common coaching instruction to 'brush up on the ball' often leads to a visibly flawed and ineffective technique. A demonstration of this motion on both the forehand and the two-handed backhand reveals a stroke with no racket lag, where the player drops the racket head below the ball and swings steeply upward.
This common mistake, frequently seen on tennis courts, results in a shot that may have spin but lacks any forward momentum or power. The ball often fails to even cross the net, illustrating the damaging effect of this poor instruction.
"They're trying to brush up on the ball and then this happens, right? So the ball doesn't go anywhere."
Also mentioned in this video
- The common tennis instruction to 'brush up on the ball' for topspin is… (0:00)
- Telling players to 'brush up on the ball' leads to them stiffening their wrist… (0:30)
- The literal interpretation of 'brushing up' causes players to stiffen their… (2:48)
- The side of the racket and lacks wrist lag, loop, and swinging. (4:09)
- The 'slapping' technique for power applies to all strokes, including one-handed… (5:16)
- Players should learn to control the ball initially with height and speed, even… (6:13)
- Hitting a topspin shot in tennis is complicated and not as simple as dropping… (6:40)
- A 'press and roll' drill as an alternative to 'brushing up,' which helps… (8:32)
- Another variation of the drill involves a partner or coach holding the racket… (10:01)
- Hitting an effective topspin requires a clean, upward hit through the ball,… (10:37)
- While these drills offer immediate improvement, they are not the final answer;… (13:14)
Summarised from Feel Tennis Instruction · 13:53. All credit belongs to the original creators. Streamed.News summarises publicly available video content.
