Topspin or smash a high ball with little backspin

I`m struggling with my forehand especially at the 3rd ball after my service when I´m trying to topspin or smash a long or half-long relatively high ball with just a little backspin. It mostly goes into the net. I guess it has something to do with the angle of the bat and the arm motion. So could you please give me some advise? Thanks

Hi Manfred,

These can be awkward balls as it requires you to adjust your arm.  Because the ball still has backspin, you need to have a slightly upward action to lift it.  If you come forward onto ball it will go into the net as you are finding.  It is probably better to topspin rather than smash this ball unless it is very short and high.

For our Premium members we do have some previous Ask the Coach video responses to similar questions. Smash/Topspin High Chopped Ball and High backspin close to net.