Is it supposed to be harder to block topspin or hard flat hits?
Kevin Tang asked 2 years ago
I noticed when I play other players I have an easier time blocking topspin shots vs flatter more drive-like shots. But I hear from other players that it’s supposed to be the opposite, that topspin is what you want to go for vs the flatter drive shots. For me personally, the lower / flatter trajectory of the flatter shots make it hard to deal with, whereas with topspin, it feels like i’m able to kind of easily block it back as I can kind of direct the spin back if that makes sense.
What’s the calculus between the two and what can someone of a higher level explain? I’m just a little confused whether I should be going for a heavy topspin forehand or more of a harder lower trajectory shot when I hit.
Dan Academy Coach answered 2 years ago
Hey Kevin, sometimes flatter drive type shots are tricky to block as you said you can’t use the topspin on the ball and direct it back. However they are also more inconsistent than topspin shot and that’s why you only really see the top level players play with spin. It’s then about placement and trying to get it into a difficult place for your opponent. When playing your forehand it’s always a balance sometimes a harder flatter shot is great but not all the time, and the same for a slow heavy spin. It’s about picking the right shot at the right time and also mixing it up which makes it much harder for the opponents as they will have to always be adjusting!
