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Player Takeaway Handout

Week 1

🎯 Focus: The Topspin Forehand

💡 Why Topspin Matters

Control

The ball dips down into the court, even when hit hard.

Margin

You can aim higher over the net, reducing errors.

Consistency

Topspin "grabs" the court on bounce, making rallies more reliable.

Physics: The brushing motion puts spin on the ball → air flows faster over the top than bottom → the Magnus effect forces the ball downward into the court.

✅ Key Points to Remember

  1. Semi-Western grip → knuckle on 4th bevel.
  2. Low-to-high swing → brush up the back of the ball.
  3. Contact in front → extend and finish over shoulder.
  4. Think: "Net clearance first, power later."

🏠 At-Home Practice

Shadow swings: 20 forehands, exaggerate low-to-high brushing.
Ball roll drill: Drop a ball on ground, brush up the back with racket to see topspin "lift."
Wall rally: From close distance, hit gentle forehands aiming for high bounce (watch ball kick forward after bounce).
Bounce & brush: Toss ball up slightly and brush upward on it with racket, making it spin backward in air.

📺 Recommended YouTube Videos

💡 Tip: Watch these videos and practice shadow swings while watching to reinforce the correct technique!