Order your copy today and learn from my top 38 principles for tennis success! #1 Amazon new release for tennis book - Essential Tennis: www.amazon.com/Essential-Tennis-Improve-Smarter-Matches/dp/1250765234/
Congratulations! This is one of the best Topspin Videos I have found. The explanation and especially the front view and side view recordings are really helpful. Most other videos do not show the explanation and mechanics performed slowly so it can make sense and have it all come together. Thank You!
Topspin works, the other day I was playing my friend and he was ready to call a few balls "out" but it dipped down at the last second and hit the baseline.
We amateurs tend to stray apart of fundamentals. Yet it seems simple, its extremely valuable. When our ball is missing, a reset is needed to hit with confidence, thanks!
One thing that I think people do not realize, is that when you put all the force into the vertical (as you describe), you actually lose topspin. You get more topspin if you can get the ball to spend more time on the racquet while moving it vertically. People just hit the ball high and brush it a lot, and call it 'lots of topspin', but it actually doesn't have more topspin.
Thank you for all your clear instruction. You have the ability to break down each shot into small segments we can practice even at home during a Canadian winter. Well done!
Ian, I would highly recommend reading Vic Braden’s book Tennis for the Future or the revised Tennis 2000 or on UA-cam Vic Braden’s video on bio mechanics. You mean well. You’re passionate but study Vic!!
Hello, thanks for comprehensive drill demo. I am a amateur player, playing old school tennis, but trying do get the top spin moves. One thing I noticed at this drill is the wrist movement change. At step no1 the spin is mostly dictated by the wrist, while the rest of the arm stays more or less fixed. As you go back to baseline, the rest of the arm including shoulder plays a role. Can you please share your experience : what makes the spin work in the 60/40 scenario spin /power- is the shoulder spin move or the wrist ? Appreciate it.
Thank you. I know all of but you explain much better, much easier to follow. Will send to to my son whom I tried to explain the same thing but still doesn't get it. Subscribing too.
this is what I was looking for, I am a beginner to tennis and having trouble with top spin. This gives me an Understandable formula to start learning top spin with short, medium and long shots. I can’t wait to get out and try this and I want to thank you for making such an understandable video!
Great Tutorial just putting it to practice now … 👍 just ordered your book … have learnt lots on your channel ! thanks again and keep up the great work !!!! regards 🙏
This is the only topspin video that gives useful information on this topic. The others talk about close position, point you strings down, blah blah blah. This guys just says bring the racket back as you normally do and then excitement with motion going up versus motion going forward. Good job
let your racket drop from your takeback position, rotate your hip (which creates lag), hit up and through (drive) the ball. Do this as relax as possible (let the racket go, and do most of the work) That's about it.
Dude! I'm totally digging the 'stach & goatee combo (@3:20)!! I have one just like it ...only my beard is ENTIRELY white . You rock it though, brother, keep it. Just a little Feedback from Fandom.
I picked up tennis when the racquets were wooden..and then metal! So, back then I learnt to “drive” the ball and find myself unable to play the modern game..try as I may to develop topspin. But the emphasis on wrist movement from bottom to top has me wondering if I will develop injuries to my wrist. How should I proceed?
That little 'tchk' sound you talk about (2:19) when hitting topspin at the net: are we supposed to hear that when we hit a full groundstroke from behind the baseline? (I'm guessing NO.) But will a regular topspin groundstroke _sound_ any different than a flat groundstroke?
I agree with you. Ian does this only next to the net. As he moves back, the wrist moves as a unit with the arm and shoulder, rising from waist level to chin level. The large muscles need to move the 11+ ounce racquet; using just the muscles of the forearm might lead to an overuse injury. Should have been mentioned in the video.
I worried about the same. He said though, at the net you hold the racket at the top of the handle, which is not normal practice. As you move to the baseline, move you hand down to a normal position, but he didn’t explain about wris vs elbow vs arm from the baseline. I understand you have more control the more you HUG your elbow into your body.
Personally I dislike this Progression since it suggests that the role of the wrist is fundamental in generating topspin. Usually the problem lies more in the takeback and the use of the left hand. There are some elements that nearly all pro forehands share and that most amateurs lack. These lacking elements lead to poor topspin or inconsistent shots. 1. Topspin is generated by swinging from low to high. In order to consistently swing from low to high it is extremely helpful to have a high takeback(rackethead pointing upwards) and to start the racketdrop only when the swing is initiated. 2. In order to hit a powerful topspin forehand the contact point should be in front of the body and the racket face should be vertical or slightly close. 3. To achieve the right position of the racket face during the contact point, the movement of the left hand (and thus arm) is crucial. If you watch pros forehands in slow mo the hand is usually at shoulder height at the contact point. This occurs because the pros usually pull their left hand hand across their bodies. This generates racket speed. This lateral pulling usually causes the racket to tilt. In order to prevent the racquet from tilting the pros move their left hand to shoulder height. This usually result in both hands moving in a parallel and the rotation of the upper body. This gives the shot consistency and power since now the torsos rotation is added to the swing and the racket is in a vertikal position during contact. 4. Lifting your left hand while pulling it across your body also helps you in swinging from low to high since usually your right hand follows your left hand. It would be great if you made a video with progressions focusing on the high takeback, the timing of the swing initiation and the role of the left hand. Usually these are the aspects where most amateurs are lacking.
as a beginner, this video works for me as a great start to learning the basics about top spin without getting way too complicated - kind of like your comment 😅
It’s the million dollar question. Even pros sail the ball long sometimes. You just have to adjust it yourself. And remember, the balls don’t lie. If it’s long, your top spin is not enough
It's interesting, I see this video come out and then I see this video on searching more on this type of wrist movement on the forehand: ua-cam.com/video/5V8Ij3Raw6w/v-deo.html I too was moving my wrist like this for more top spin and ended up hurting my wrist a bit. I would also say that or would ask Ian, doesn't this add another variable that can cause very inconsistent results and framing of the ball?
IMHA the wrist movement Ian demonstrates at the start is just to demonstrate how the racquet moving up the back of the ball creates the topspin. In the full stroke he explains that it’s the swing path, low to high, that creates the moving up the back of the ball not wrist side flexion or arm pronation at contact, that comes after the ball has left the strings and the swing continues to the opposite shoulder
He moves forward during the first exercise ua-cam.com/video/aSiguvqibjs/v-deo.html and then ua-cam.com/video/aSiguvqibjs/v-deo.html - clearly moving forward.
You are pushing forwards though. Not only can you see it on the video but thats also by default the way its going over the ner. Thats not to say its not a very valuable lesson.
Order your copy today and learn from my top 38 principles for tennis success! #1 Amazon new release for tennis book - Essential Tennis: www.amazon.com/Essential-Tennis-Improve-Smarter-Matches/dp/1250765234/
Ordered my copy today.
Just ordered!
Congratulations! This is one of the best Topspin Videos I have found. The explanation and especially the front view and side view recordings are really helpful. Most other videos do not show the explanation and mechanics performed slowly so it can make sense and have it all come together. Thank You!
🙏
Topspin works, the other day I was playing my friend and he was ready to call a few balls "out" but it dipped down at the last second and hit the baseline.
We amateurs tend to stray apart of fundamentals. Yet it seems simple, its extremely valuable. When our ball is missing, a reset is needed to hit with confidence, thanks!
Fantastic ! The best explanation I've seen till now❤
One thing that I think people do not realize, is that when you put all the force into the vertical (as you describe), you actually lose topspin. You get more topspin if you can get the ball to spend more time on the racquet while moving it vertically. People just hit the ball high and brush it a lot, and call it 'lots of topspin', but it actually doesn't have more topspin.
Thank you for all your clear instruction. You have the ability to break down each shot into small segments we can practice even at home during a Canadian winter. Well done!
Ian, I would highly recommend reading Vic Braden’s book Tennis for the Future or the revised Tennis 2000 or on UA-cam Vic Braden’s video on bio mechanics. You mean well. You’re passionate but study Vic!!
Hello, thanks for comprehensive drill demo. I am a amateur player, playing old school tennis, but trying do get the top spin moves. One thing I noticed at this drill is the wrist movement change. At step no1 the spin is mostly dictated by the wrist, while the rest of the arm stays more or less fixed. As you go back to baseline, the rest of the arm including shoulder plays a role. Can you please share your experience : what makes the spin work in the 60/40 scenario spin /power- is the shoulder spin move or the wrist ? Appreciate it.
Thank you. I know all of but you explain much better, much easier to follow. Will send to to my son whom I tried to explain the same thing but still doesn't get it. Subscribing too.
this is what I was looking for, I am a beginner to tennis and having trouble with top spin. This gives me an Understandable formula to start learning top spin with short, medium and long shots. I can’t wait to get out and try this and I want to thank you for making such an understandable video!
One of many drills in the book to improve one's tennis, based on solid stats presented in the book.
Cheers and have a great week.
MM
It’s a great drill!
6:53 This is what I wanted from years!
The correct balance between topspin and pace
Thank you!! I bought your book Essential Tennis today after watching your video
Great Tutorial just putting it to practice now … 👍 just ordered your book … have learnt lots on your channel ! thanks again and keep up the great work !!!! regards 🙏
This is the only topspin video that gives useful information on this topic. The others talk about close position, point you strings down, blah blah blah. This guys just says bring the racket back as you normally do and then excitement with motion going up versus motion going forward. Good job
Good video! I am going to buy your book. I like the way you used editing to make yourself right-handed!
Been playing since Ive been 11, and this is awesome.
let your racket drop from your takeback position, rotate your hip (which creates lag), hit up and through (drive) the ball. Do this as relax as possible (let the racket go, and do most of the work)
That's about it.
Thank you you cleared my doubts and gave me good guidance
Thanks 👍🏽! Really clear explanation.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the clear explanation
Dude! I'm totally digging the 'stach & goatee combo (@3:20)!! I have one just like it ...only my beard is ENTIRELY white . You rock it though, brother, keep it. Just a little Feedback from Fandom.
Great tutorial Ian thank you very much.
Beautiful. Thank you so much coach. 🌞🌎🌙🙏
I picked up tennis when the racquets were wooden..and then metal! So, back then I learnt to “drive” the ball and find myself unable to play the modern game..try as I may to develop topspin. But the emphasis on wrist movement from bottom to top has me wondering if I will develop injuries to my wrist. How should I proceed?
Hi can you make a video on how to hit a forehand with the nadal backswing
Yes
That little 'tchk' sound you talk about (2:19) when hitting topspin at the net: are we supposed to hear that when we hit a full groundstroke from behind the baseline? (I'm guessing NO.) But will a regular topspin groundstroke _sound_ any different than a flat groundstroke?
Really nice lesson!!! Thank you!!!
Does the clicking sound depend slightly on equipment because I only seem to get it with some shots and I have a cheap racquet and balls?
Thanks, great video
Nice drill !
Yan is your racket a Vortex ?
What is the strung weight ?
Thanks
Thanks!
Is this safe for the wrist?
I agree with you. Ian does this only next to the net. As he moves back, the wrist moves as a unit with the arm and shoulder, rising from waist level to chin level. The large muscles need to move the 11+ ounce racquet; using just the muscles of the forearm might lead to an overuse injury. Should have been mentioned in the video.
I worried about the same. He said though, at the net you hold the racket at the top of the handle, which is not normal practice. As you move to the baseline, move you hand down to a normal position, but he didn’t explain about wris vs elbow vs arm from the baseline. I understand you have more control the more you HUG your elbow into your body.
Hi Ian, sorry if this question has already been asked but is your book available to be ordered/shipped outside of the US (UK specifically)? Thanks
Yes! You should be able to find it on Amazon, and wherever else you get books!
What are all those gadgets to the left of the court?
Tremendous good video!
Personally I dislike this Progression since it suggests that the role of the wrist is fundamental in generating topspin. Usually the problem lies more in the takeback and the use of the left hand. There are some elements that nearly all pro forehands share and that most amateurs lack. These lacking elements lead to poor topspin or inconsistent shots.
1. Topspin is generated by swinging from low to high. In order to consistently swing from low to high it is extremely helpful to have a high takeback(rackethead pointing upwards) and to start the racketdrop only when the swing is initiated.
2. In order to hit a powerful topspin forehand the contact point should be in front of the body and the racket face should be vertical or slightly close.
3. To achieve the right position of the racket face during the contact point, the movement of the left hand (and thus arm) is crucial. If you watch pros forehands in slow mo the hand is usually at shoulder height at the contact point. This occurs because the pros usually pull their left hand hand across their bodies. This generates racket speed. This lateral pulling usually causes the racket to tilt. In order to prevent the racquet from tilting the pros move their left hand to shoulder height. This usually result in both hands moving in a parallel and the rotation of the upper body. This gives the shot consistency and power since now the torsos rotation is added to the swing and the racket is in a vertikal position during contact.
4. Lifting your left hand while pulling it across your body also helps you in swinging from low to high since usually your right hand follows your left hand.
It would be great if you made a video with progressions focusing on the high takeback, the timing of the swing initiation and the role of the left hand. Usually these are the aspects where most amateurs are lacking.
Brilliant comment
as a beginner, this video works for me as a great start to learning the basics about top spin without getting way too complicated - kind of like your comment 😅
Thank you in the same Yan, for the weight of your racket, which I still don't know what it is.
But I understand, time is money.....
THAT SOUND is the ball hitting the strings. It will make that sound even if you hit it straight through with no spin. No?
ordered!
1:15 4:00 4:45 ❤
If you're returning a fast ball, what ratio do you recommend? Seems like the topspin sweep will be harder to time
Serve or ground strokes? For serves I just try to block it back. Slice or higher spin with depth but lower velocity can work too.
It’s the million dollar question. Even pros sail the ball long sometimes. You just have to adjust it yourself. And remember, the balls don’t lie. If it’s long, your top spin is not enough
I find that the most effective way to return is to still finish your stroke, but with no back swing.
is this a airplane hangar? thats pretty cool
What, they haven’t converted the old HQ into a basketball court? 🤔🎾
They did Bill! We were able to shoot these videos just before they did!
This vid is an old recording, I’d guess…..no 🐐-ie 🤣
Yup
It's interesting, I see this video come out and then I see this video on searching more on this type of wrist movement on the forehand: ua-cam.com/video/5V8Ij3Raw6w/v-deo.html
I too was moving my wrist like this for more top spin and ended up hurting my wrist a bit. I would also say that or would ask Ian, doesn't this add another variable that can cause very inconsistent results and framing of the ball?
IMHA the wrist movement Ian demonstrates at the start is just to demonstrate how the racquet moving up the back of the ball creates the topspin. In the full stroke he explains that it’s the swing path, low to high, that creates the moving up the back of the ball not wrist side flexion or arm pronation at contact, that comes after the ball has left the strings and the swing continues to the opposite shoulder
@@superredsfan I also have the same doubts about this exercise. Using the wrist like this is teaching something that has to be unlearnt later.
Djokovic seemed to be doing this more in Rome(?)
Interesting!
Good drills but this progression is not so easy as it seems
Great teaching and Jesus loves you ❤
He moves forward during the first exercise ua-cam.com/video/aSiguvqibjs/v-deo.html and then ua-cam.com/video/aSiguvqibjs/v-deo.html - clearly moving forward.
Of course the racket IS moving forward. Can't say "no forward movement"
You are pushing forwards though. Not only can you see it on the video but thats also by default the way its going over the ner. Thats not to say its not a very valuable lesson.
you are not supposed to move your wrist 🤭🤌🏻
absolutely not a good way to generate spin.
Sorry. I alomst died of old age whilst trying to follow the video and dialogue so I gave up.
Imagine