Players who hit heavy topspin do three things well: they turn early, they create space under the ball, and they finish high. Here are the checkpoints that make the forehand reliable under pressure.
Checkpoint 1: A full unit turn
Start your turn as the ball leaves your opponent's strings. The racket should be set back with the strings facing the side fence. Early prep buys you time to relax and swing smoothly.
Checkpoint 2: Racket drops below the ball
Let the racket head fall below the ball as your hips begin to rotate. This creates the low-to-high path that produces spin.
Checkpoint 3: Contact in front, finish above
Meet the ball in front of your lead hip and let the swing finish across your shoulder. If you finish low, you will miss long or in the net.
Practice pattern
- 10 crosscourt forehands with a three-foot net clearance goal.
- 10 inside-out forehands focusing on early unit turn.
- 5 points starting with a forehand you control, not crush.
Track your ball shape on video. The best feedback is seeing the arc clear the net and drop inside the baseline consistently.