5 Ways To Take Down A Heavy Topspin Player
If you've ever played tennis against someone with a wicked topspin, you know how frustrating it can be. The ball seems to bounce right over the net and come down right on your baseline, over and over again. No matter how hard you hit it, they just keep coming back! But don't despair; there are ways to beat a heavy topspin player.
With a little practice and the right strategy, you can take control of the match and come out victorious. Here are the top 5 ways to do it.
Keep The Ball Low
Players who hit with much topspin usually have a Western grip, which makes it more difficult for them to hit low balls. This means you should try to keep your returns to them as low as possible by slicing the ball. Your under-spin on the ball will stop the ball from bouncing high, making it difficult for your opponents to get their rackets under the ball to generate that heavy topspin.
Take The Ball Early
One of the keys to beating a heavy topspin player is to get to the ball before it has a chance to bounce too high. If you wait too long, the ball will bounce up, and perhaps to your shoulder height, making it tougher for you to return the high ball.
So, try to take the ball early by hitting it on the rise. Shorten your backswing, bend your knees to stay low on the ground, and focus on timing your shots.
Attack Their Backhand
Most heavy topspin players have a very strong forehand, but their backhand is usually not as strong. So, one effective strategy is to attack their backhand side and force them to hit their weaker shot. You can do this by consistently hitting the ball to their backhand during rallies; eventually they'll make a mistake or hit a weak shot and you'll be able to take control of the point.
Play Aggressively
Another way to beat a heavy topspin player is to play aggressively and take away their time. Try to keep the rallies short and sweet, and don't give your opponent time to wind up for a big shot.
You should also approach the net more often to force them on the defensive and make it harder for them to generate heavy topspin on their shots.
Use Your Footwork
Last but not least, remember that footwork is key in tennis - no matter what type of player you're up against. Be sure to keep your feet moving and stay light on your toes so that you can quickly change directions when necessary. This will help you stay one step ahead of your opponent and give you an advantage in rallies where they are trying to hit heavy topspin shots past you.
While playing against a heavy topspin player can be daunting, remember that there are ways to beat them! So next time you're up against an opponent with a killer topspin, don't despair - just put these tips into action and see what happens!
"The Philosophical Tennis Player: Thinking Your Way To Winning" offers a unique perspective on the sport of tennis. This book provides guidance inspired by philosophy to help you rethink the game and reach your peak performance. The author breathes life into abstract philosophical concepts, transforming them into tangible strategies everyone can use to become a successful player. Readers will gain insight into the psychological aspects of tennis and recognise the timeless values that extend beyond the confines of the court.
About The Author
Darren Teo is the founder of Play! Tennis, the most Google reviewed tennis academy in Singapore. His passion for making tennis accessible to everyone regardless of their age, experience and ability continues to drive his work at the school. He is a thought leader in LinkedIn with 14,000 followers.