Analysis of forehand-topspin-technique

Hi Dan / Tom
I was looking at your video on how to develop more spin and power in the topspin drive and I put this into practise by using more wrist action at the end of the shot.  I found that this technique could be used to good advantage even with a ball which bounced middle table by taking it on the rise and brushing over the top. Some sidespin is also added to the stroke which could be awkward for the opponent to deal with as the ball cut to the side after bouncing on his side of the table.
On another point regarding the ready stance…you mentioned, (quite rightly) that keeping the arm too close to the body would restrict body movement and turn.  If, however. the playing arm from the elbow to the hand drops too low then this would mean that most of the power would come from the arm when topspinning a ball as the arm is already low then backswing would be limited.  Personally, I try to keep my arm folded slightly in front of my body from (elbow to forearm) roughly at about 90 degrees in the ready position. When I am about about to play a topspin drive my body core and left shoulder turns inward to the right (as a right handed player) and my knees bend to get me get lower. My weight has now transferred from my left leg to the right. At this point the distance between my elbow and arm has increased from roughly 90 degrees to between 120 degrees to almost 180 degrees. For maximum power I use the wrist action which can keep the ball low over the net and also helps with increased speed and spin for backspin balls.
Good timing is essential as I try to contact the the ball at the highest point of the bounce…needs a lot of practise!!
Just wondered what your thoughts were on this.
Regards
Alex
 
 
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