Foot movement in topspin

Esi Darap Asked 12 years ago

Hi both, thanks for all the video clips, really appreciate it.

I watched the video clip Forehand topspin off backspin performed by Jeff.

I realised before topspin, left foot is forward and right foot backward. I understand that, better movement for the topspin.

After topspin, both foot are almost parallel. I understand that, to be ready for the next ball.

My question is, what is ideal foot movement when you topspin? I am not referring to twist and turn.

I am referring, to end in a parallel foot position, what is the left and right foot movement?

a) Right foot slightly forward (10-20%), left foot backward (80-90%)

b) left foot slightly backward (10-20%), right foot forward (80-90%)

c) left and right foot 50%-50%

It might be just my personal impression, but from the video clip, it seems like Jeff is doing option (a). Pls clarify, thanks.

Jeff Plumb Answered 12 years ago

Hi Esi,

You've made some good observations. In that video when my feet end up parallel, it is more part of the twisting action then getting back to a neutral position for the next ball. You can make this shot and keep the left foot in front. The key is to get your hips twisting.

In our videos we concentrate on the foot position, the start position and the finish position. This is to keep it simple and if you get those right, the rest of the stroke will come together. We are planning on making a follow up video for some of these strokes to talk about the stroke in more detail including the weight transfer and twisting of the hips.