What is topspin and how can you use it in your tennis game?

Andy Roddick does it. Andre has used its to win several majors. And, it is just one of Roger Feeder’s lethal weapons. Topspins are what tennis matches are made of. They enable a player to hit the ball well above the net; however, due to the physics of the spin, the ball plummets rapidly and remains inbound. It keeps opponents farther back in the court on their toes.

Despite the following guidelines on making a topspin, the best way to emulate the technique is to watch pros like Agassi, Roddick and Federer. Remember hitting topspin is an innate reaction that will take time to develop. If you have been wondering how to introduce a little topspin into your tennis game, use the following tips:

1. Although topspins can be achieved by holding the racquet with a normal grip, extreme topspins are empowered with either a semi-western or western grip.

2. Drop the head of the racquet down as you take the racquet back. Since topspin is triggered by the angle of the stroke, try to imagine that you are 'brushing up' on the tennis as you hit it.

3. Use either an open or closed stance when you make contact or hit the topspin.

4. Swing upward at the tennis ball so that you can end up on a high note. Also, try to hit out over the opposite shoulder and be sure to move your tennis racquet from low to high.

Tennis Tip 101: If you want to drastically improve your ability to hit the ball with topspin invest in either custom hybrid stringing or a good durable string.

There are drawbacks to this too, some parts of a good swing are too fast to see, so mix the two techniques, the learning by the books (or by instruction) and learning by emulation.