A one-dimensional ground stroke
style allows opponents to adjust to your game. To keep them
on the defensive (an you on the offensive), learn a variety
of spins and when to use them. Let's take a look at some
useful spin variations.
1.
High-looping topspin - almost like a lob with
topspin, this style pushes your opponent back and keeps them
from being able to hurt you, because their contact point is
above their strike zone and behind the baseline. It has the
added benefit of producing errors or short balls you can
attack.
2. Heavy
Penetrating topspin - sometimes
described as a "heavy ball", this style
generates huge topspin that jumps off
the court at your opponent and makes it
difficult for them to control. This
takes a lot of racket head speed and
practice to hit and hit consistently.
3.
Underspin -
this style covers slices and drop shots.
There are lots of options
here...forehand slice, backhand slice,
forehand or backhand drop shots, short
angle slices, slice approach shots. Deep
slice shots during a rally can throw
your opponent's rhythm off. Short slices
and drop shots can win the point
outright or draw your opponent to the
net on your terms (playing the ball up
from their feet).
A very important point to keep in mind
is that no matter what shot you hit, it does no good if you
can't hit it consistently. You must practice these different
spins religiously to make them consistent. Choosing which
spin to hit takes a lot of trial and error, but here are a
few basic rules. If you are well behind the baseline, hit
with topspin to bring the point back to neutral and give
yourself time to improve your court position. From inside
the baseline, you can try slices and drop shots. By using
spin and not giving your opponent the same shot every time,
you put them at a disadvantage and give yourself more
opportunities to win points.
