Backhand Topspin

Matthew Fossay Asked 9 years ago

Hi Alois and Jeff

today I have two questions for you.

The first one is, when I train my backhand topspin my coach says to use wrist instead of arm, but in your video you don't use much wrist at all. Can you please clarify things for me. Thanks 

The second question I have for you is, when I clean my bat the part near the handle is not getting wet like the top part it is weird. Have you ever had any experience with this I think it might be from my finger which touches there for my grip. Another thing is that I have little marks from the ball when I wash my paddle they don't completly dissapear. 

Just hope you can clear some things up for me. Thanks Alois and Jeff for all your help. And if you want to help me with my backhand as well as Alois that would be very appreciated. The more opinions the better. Thanks a lot Matt!

Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

Hi Matthew,

To start playing the backhand topspin stroke use mainly your forearm, a little upper arm and a little wrist.

As you become more advanced you can use more wrist and less of the other parts of your arm. This is a riskier stroke but it can also generate more spin and speed.

Regarding cleaning your rubber, it may be that the part near the handle is either worn out or it may have some oils from your finger there.  You could try using a very mild detergent on that part.