Wrist angle for topspin direction

D D Asked 6 years ago

Hey coach, new player here, and I recently ran across your video "The Role of Fingers in the Shakehand Grip"

The part at ~2:00 was a revelation - where you explain how to change from crosscourt to down-the-line with a simple change of wrist angle, by opening or bending back the wrist (I had been changing body position and/or swing plane to go down the line).  So much easier!

My question: would this apply to full FH topspins too?  I've been practicing with the robot, and a this 'opening of the wrist' on the FH drive is easy enough. But it feels a little strange bending back the wrist like that on a full FH topspin to go down the line. 

I'm sure I can get used to it if I practice it enough - but should I be doing that?  Or is that technique strictly for short block/drive/flick swings? 

Hope this wasn't too confusing - thanks!

Alois Rosario Answered 6 years ago

Hi DD,

You can use the wrist change for the topspin as well.  It will be really effective if you can make it happen.  It definitely feels a bit more awkward to start with because your wrist is in a position it isn't used to.  The other thing I see is that players tend to change their finish position when they do this.  Try to maintain the high finish position with the topspin stroke while turning your wrist back.