Jonyer's straight arm topspin

Il Ill Asked 9 years ago

Master Rosario,

I watched Istvan Jonyer  here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvS-2d2XFXk

Sometimes he hit the ball with topspin without elbow(forearm action) . He use only straight arm and wrist.  Is it true or am I mistaken.

I want to know more about this Hungarian technique.

Thank you very much.

Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

Hi Il,

Joyner was a great player of his time.  His style was revolutionary being able to generate so much topspin on the ball with that straight amor action of his.  He was part of the great trio with Klampar and Gergely that won the World teams championships against the odds in 1979 against the powerful Chinese team of the time.  He also won the World Men's singles championships in 1975.  He also won the World Men's Doubles titles twice in 1971 and 1975.

I remember at the time people describing it as it was easier to get his topspin back if you were on the next court because of how much topspin he was able to generate.  At the time it was extraordinary.

Now, the game has developed further to be mush faster so the straight arm action doesn't really hold up well.   The faster action of the forearm coming through allows for more speed and also better recovery.