Critical features of the FH topspin (1990’s)
| MOVEMENT OF THE ARM |
SKILL BREAKDOWN |
| The amount of backswing |
1 |
| The speed of the backswing |
1 |
| The length and plane of the arm |
1 |
| The power and impetus from the shoulder |
2 |
| The speed of the forearm fold |
2 |
| The angle and use of the wrist |
2 |
| The contact point in terms of time and place |
3 |
| The angle of the racket at contact |
3 |
| The optimum area of contact on the racket |
3 |
| The follow through of the arm |
4 |
| MOVEMENT OF THE LEGS |
SKILL BREAKDOWN |
| Flexion of both legs but especially left knee (for a right-hander) |
1 |
| Strong extension of the right knee |
1 |
| Rotate right side of body backwards (for right-hander) in preparation |
1 |
| Start rotation with left elbow (for right-hander) |
2 |
| Strong rotation of the body, both hips and shoulders (Use hip area more, centre of gravity) |
2 |
| Stomach muscles, tensed at the start of the movement, relax 5 - 10 contimetres before ball contact |
2 |
SYNTHESIS OF THE WHOLE MOVEMENT
Begin and end with balance.
Begin and end with recovery.
| PARTS OF THE SKILL |
Breakdown |
| Backswing or recovery |
1 |
| Force producing movements |
2 |
| Critical impact instant |
3 |
| Follow through |
4 |