Home
What's New
Freebies
Win Matches
Tennis Tips
Mental Game
Strategy
Instruction
Beginners
Articles
Play Better
Psychology
Inner Game
Tennis Players
Tennis Drills
Slovensko
Like This Site?
My Secret
About me
Contact me
Resources
Sitemap
Site policies

High top spin but no power

by Justin
(College Station)

I have been playing for about 5 years now and I realize that I am shaping my style of tennis play.

I have a consistent rising two hand backhand, a high top spin forehand, a super backhand slice for fun on rare occasions, and different serves depending on which side I am on.

The problem I noticed was that I lack a power shot. My backhand can create some power but nowhere near my forehand and my forehand is pretty lacking. I guess its the high topspin I but on the ball but I seem to be lacking a flat shot or something.

I seem to be have problems playing against tall guys (6'3) with long arms which can generate a lot of power. My semi-speed shots dont compare to his and he can just pelt my balls back for a winner.

My friend says to sort of "push" the racket when i hit to add a little more power but are there other ways? Like work out arms?

I am mainly wondering about a power shot on my forehand by the way, but a backhand power shot is nice too. I have an eastern grip for forehand too.

Comments for
High top spin but no power

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 23, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Rotate your body
by: Joe

Forget your arms. The way to generate power is to rotate your body. Step into the ball and put ALL of your weight behind it. For some, it helps to think about hitting the ball "faster" rather than "harder". And concentrate on making solid contact with the ball, of course.

Hope this helps--good luck!
Aug 07, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Its all in the technique
by: Nick L.

Ok so you want more power on your shots. This doesn't mean you have to spend hours on end in the gym getting bigger, (although it couldn't hurt). For me what works is a more modern stance for mt forehand, if you watch any of todays top pros they use this approach with a more open stance and all they do is plant their back foot behind the on coming ball and bring their racket back while keeping their front shoulder turned in. This creates almost a coil of power if you will. Now when they swing through for topspin they generate alot of torque by un-coiling their torso and brushing over the ball in a low to high motion. This uncoiling is how they gain their power and can control how much spin they put on the ball by adjusting their stroke to a more of a brushing motion. Now after you have planted your back foot and are starting to coil (turn your front shoulder in and bringing the racket back) you need to keep in mind that too keep the ball low and with more pace you need too be coming into the court to generate the most power and ultimately the "cleanest shot". For more help visualizing what I'm saying take a look at this video.

This link shows a player changing from traditional closed stance into a more modern open stance forehand and it lists the perks which hopefully will help you more than my ranting.
Good Luck,

Thanks,

Nick L.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Tennis Strategy Tips


footer for tennis mind page