Critical Features of the Forehand Topspin

Rowden Fullen (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

ROTATION OF THE BODY -- SKILL BREAKDOWN

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

    1.Backswing or recovery
    2.Force producing movements
    3.Critical impact instant
    4.Follow through