Groundsrokes - Which one is best: Flat or Topspin?
by: Dave Winship @ On The Line

Human civilisation has advanced in direct proportion to our increased ability to harness energy. Unlike most other living things, we humans have been able to use sun, wind, water, wood, fossil fuel and atomic energy to modify our environment to our benefit. The Industrial Revolution marked a watershed in our ability to achieve this.

As you develop as a tennis player, you sooner or later discover that topspin is essential to refine and control the raw energy of your groundstrokes. It allows you to clear the net by a greater margin because it drags the ball down into the court even when you hit it hard. This represents a double insurance you cannot afford to ignore.

Obviously, there are some benefits to a flat forehand. Hitting flatter increases the pace of the shot, so it can sometimes pay to flatten out your drive when a really good opportunity arises to put the ball away. The problem with flat strokes is that you're aiming through a very narrow window - too low, and you hit the net; too high, and the ball sails long.

Not everyone was happy with the Industrial Revolution in the early 1800s. The Luddites were a group of English workers who protested against the changes because they felt their jobs were threatened. Their name has become synonymous with people who are opposed to change. Don't be a Luddite! Embrace topspin and revolutionise your game!

Regards.

Dave Winship