Flat vs Topspin Forehand Explained (DRILLS INCLUDED!)

[@gilmillan1909]

This content is 100% gold. keep it up guys you're doing great.

[@devinedude3690]

well said... I agree

[@Johnstage]

Freakin great video. Thank you!

[@noodlz9092]

Couldn't agree more... this channel has the clearest, most understandable, and most effective teaching that I've ever seen. I just feel happy and confident every time I watch a video. Keep it up guys, you're doing amazing!

[@berfava]

No matter how other coaches try to explain stuff like this, I always end up **fundamentally understanding** when I watch your videos. Thanks so much.

[@andreaho]

The best explanation, best demonstration, best speech speeding. No more subscription to other channels is needed.

[@Jerry-ih3xq]

Very good instructions! Keep it simple, always remember that the ball movement consists of two components: horizontal and vertical. More horizontal power will give the drive/flat shot and more vertical power/"brushing up" will generate more top spin.

[@RacquetFlex]

Thanks so much for watching! Let me know how the drills go and what videos you want to see next 💪

[@josefiguera4042]

Awesome video, to me it made a huge and instant difference on my FH the first time I try it on court, and the following times have allow me to have a more reliable and consistent mechanics on my FH. I have never hear about the horizontal shoulder abduction explain at 6:39 that way and the drills are simple and effective. Thanks a lot!!!

[@RacquetFlex]

I'm glad the video helped you Jose! Thanks for watching. Are there any videos you want to see from us in the future? - Dayday

[@josefiguera4042]

@@RacquetFlex I struggle with the different types of volleys, ironically taking pace away and low volleys I can do, but punch volleys specially high volleys I find them difficult, a video on how to handle different types of volleys will be awesome. thx!

[@deeps10]

@@RacquetFlex heavy top with two handed backhand

[@torrubirubi]

Amazing how well the guy explains this! 👏

[@Justin.002]

Ey, Justin from SD here. Miss calling you dudes and talking tennis! Glad to see you're still putting out quality content-- with a much bigger audience from the looks of that subscriber count!

[@akin1989]

One handed backhand gang! Love it man

[@pearlflute1]

This is so clear and unique. I love the drills.

[@RacquetFlex]

Thanks for the kind words Steel Happiness! I'm glad you enjoyed the video 🔥

[@Josh-kr1cc]

The only guy who comprehensively discussed the flat forehand on youtube...

[@The5thBranch]

I’ve played tennis since 11, high school an university. Seen a lot of ‘professional’ coaches of the top 10 ATP and your explanation is one of THE best out there.

[@lauraulrich2837]

Awesome video thank you!! I was literally crying at 2:30!!

[@TheHoth1]

That hair is legendary! I got distracted and have to watch it again:) Good stuff!

[@bengu1853]

I've said this already and I'll say it again, this content is absolute 🔥🔥🔥🔥 The production here is phenomenal. The sound quality alone is ridiculous and better than you get at actual tournaments.

[@mubashirkhan3626]

Thanks for fixing my shot, tried it today and worked like a charm. Well explained, couldnt figure out the same motion pretty much but with a slight spin changed the trajectory, i was muscling up each, picked the ball up in the front with a bit of hesistence but man, what power and direction. Love this!

[@phuonpham]

You talked the things which I never heard from my coach! Good job guy

[@donweintraub3310]

Thanks for the excellent video guys! Can't wait for the opportunity to train with you live in Long Beach...

[@ilkercalskan1315]

One of the best tennis video I've seen. So useful. Life saver. Thanks guys.

[@jamesharbin1995]

Hey, I loved your videos. Can you make a video on how to generate more topspin on a one handed backhand

[@cmoralesmsae]

Use an inverted semi western forehand grip

[@leolionroarrrrrrr5509]

First off. Don’t go in with expectations of heavy spin on 1 hander. Work on proper technique, balance, driving racket through the stroke. If and when you’ve already stabilized this, then it’s a lot of pronations(or supinations)for heavy spin. Be sure to keep an L shape between racket and forearm with a firm wrist. Prep early , initiate swing, drop racket low and lead swing with the buttcap, at contact try to have a straight firm arm, also supinate your forearm at contact to get over the ball, then let the momentum carry to supinate the R shoulder, try to finish stroke with forearm open and buttcap facing upwards. One common mistake to avoid is leading the 1 hand BH with a bent elbow. The 1 hander won’t hit its potential with such bend. At around contact point, the racquet should be forward of the elbow area for a full snap. If the elbow is in front, it’ll be dragging the racket , which won’t work. Just pay attention to your technique, and make adjustments as needed.

[@ivanquinoyog422]

The best explanation.

[@Sportsgirly]

Wow as a beginner, these are excellent points and he's entertaining. Thank you!

[@marlonsantana21]

Awesome drills, thank you!

[@dokdokdok4585]

Best and more detailed technique video ever. The explanations are clear, precise and well presented. Video quality is also perfect 🫡 Keep doing this great job guys! +1 follower 🤭

[@noobbait8745]

Subbed after the first video I saw here. Very good quality and excellent explanation.

[@tedingtontalk]

Love this video. Solid content and explained so well!

[@deal1964]

Thank you, bro..exelent explanation....and most important...absolutely right and professional...

[@mataniwi]

The best video and explanations i’ve seen so far! Does it apply to 2 handes BH? Wouldn’t be nice to make a video for the 2HBH?

[@basilistravlos4575]

Great explanation. Thank you coach.

[@JP6649]

Great instruction and helpful tips, for a fellow that has a fairly flat game developed in the 70s and 80s. I particularly like the biomechanics discussed In the execution of a proper stroke. This has helped me develop a modern topspin forehand.

[@drdickenbalz]

One of the best lessons you guys have put out. Not the best drills but everything else was highly educational.

[@Called2Serve26]

Excellent video to help me hit better topspins; since, I have a tendency to hit flat!

[@fazlinhasni247]

Wow, this is by far the best tennis coaching video i have come across!!! Thank u, i have actually learned some very good points here!!!

[@bmanbusee3812]

Lol

[@JimArthurVanWyck]

Another excellent video

[@jimpoole6037]

Really good, thanks! As a 4.0 73yo I am able to put a lot more effortless power in the shots

[@mwu365]

Great video, also cool shoutout to cult tennis :D

[@asmitpriyadarsi2520]

really good explanation with funny moments got a sub and like

[@guyrestivo]

wow..such great stuff!!..love all your videos--thks for the effort,time and knowledge you share to all of us..

[@k.alvarado6237]

Found you recently. Phenomenal content

[@michaelreid8737]

This is a super informative and very valuable lesson for anyone who is serious about improvement and is willing to put in the work in an intelligent manner. Thanks so much!! I love you guys!!

[@saadh9544]

Awesome video guys. Ya'll crushed it.

[@descort1990]

you´re so funny dude! keep up this good work! greetings from austria

[@MaxWeishan]

Great stuff guys. Any chance you could do a backhand weight transfer video? I feel it’s a topic that isn’t touched on too much, and I have this problem of stiff arms out to the side and also shifting weight onto the front foot too much… thanks for consideration 👍🏼 and all the great content of course

[@devinedude3690]

Solid & packed with finger licking practice & game improving information... don't stop... keep this great content coming guys

[@jbc-3975]

Really good video guys - especially the discussion about how, why & when to use heavy top vs. flatter, more attacking shots. However, I'm less a fan of the (IMO) overly technical discussion of the swing mechanics used to achieve top vs. flat/ penetrating shots. It's not that your observations are wrong; it's more that there's no mention of the 'throwing' motion that distinguishes modern vs. old-school/ traditional stroke mechanics and which allows all the 'easy power', spin & variety of shots from different contact points that's the hallmark of modern stroke mechanics vs. old school pendulum/ weight transfer mechanics that require precise timing, preparation & footwork & which have very real contact point limitations - especially up high. Everything that's consequential (all the overly technical machinations that you discuss re: internal shoulder rotation + pronation etc.) occurs very naturally if one utilizes a sidearm throwing motion on the FH, the overhand/ 3/4's throwing motion on a serve/ overhead and a frisbee whip/ throw motion on the one-handed BH. The problem w/ all the slow motion demonstrations/ analysis of exactly what happens to cause the lag and snap back of the racket head thru contact and the natural deceleration of the follow thru doesn't translate well (IMO) into how real people actually learn throw to a ball or frisbee; they just do it .. over and over until the throwing motion is ingrained. But more importantly, there are lots of tennis players that know how to throw a ball very well and naturally but who can't translate that ingrained throwing motion into proper modern tennis strokes. I know, because I was one of those guys that learned tennis the 'old school' way and ended up w/ 'pretty' traditional strokes but with all the limitations inherent with the use of old school strokes re: spin and the ability to generate power and/or spin off of slow balls and especially balls high in the strike zone. And, once learned, it was very hard form me to change even though I had inherently good throwing mechanics. For some reason, I always had a pretty good & natural 1 handed BH though it's not as whip like (think a much lesser Gasquet BH) as it is now. My serve was OK, but overly mechanical and way too much shoulder and not the simplified dynamic 3/4s throwing motion I now have & utilize. It's not that it's necessarily wrong to demonstrate in slow motion (or show via slow motion video) exactly what happens during a properly executed stroke it's just that one needs to emphasize to the student/ audience that a proper modern stroke requires 'throwing mechanics' vs. a shot put/ weight transfer mechanism or what we old school guys used to call 'throwing like a girl'. And it's not all about being able to throw faster and hit harder. It's more about efficiency and easy power, spin and much more variety on swing paths and heights and the ability to move and hit more dynamically and generate power and spin on the move and from different positions including when moving sideways or backwards etc. Think of a short stop snagging a grounder and being able to turn and fire the ball to 1st base from all sorts of positions. Slow or fast, the basic throwing mechanics are the same. Pitchers and tennis players warm up by 'throwing' slowly, but they still use the same basic throwing mechanics when they warm up by throwing/ hitting softly and ramp up the pace/ power and spin as they get warmed up, but using the same basic throwing mechanics but with varying levels of the dynamic release of energy from & after the wind-up thru the release/ contact point. Anyway - long story short - it took much longer than it should have to 'unlearn' my old school mechanics. Lots of shadow strokes in the living room was key for me along w/ just hitting on the wall so there was no match play pressure. Once I 'got it' it was like 'this is so much easier' what the heck was I doing all those years. But again it would have been helpful if someone would have emphasized to me the simplicity of just winding up and releasing the racket via a throwing motion.

[@gazzer92]

I enjoyed reading that. So your tip to me is to focus on my throwing motion and make sure I'm doing that on my forehand?

[@jbc-3975]

@@gazzer92 in a word - yes. If you've ever played baseball or practiced same as a kid - just think back to the way you warmed up and then practiced snagging grounders and used various arm angles to throw or flip the ball to 1st or second base - including when moving and/or off balance and with varying speed depending on how far and fast you need to throw. Yes - your elbow moves back and your shoulder rotates and your forearm pronates and your wrist snaps, etc. - but no one thinks about all that; you just throw the ball to a target and your body/ brain figures out the best way to get it there effectively & efficiently. If you did/ do try to think about all the mechanics minutiae your throwing motion won't be dynamic at all and won't feel natural. Bottom line is that you are - in effect - throwing your racket at the ball but you hang onto the racket. You do manipulate the racket somewhat to get the racket head to strike the ball square and you can manipulate the swing path to impart spin & direction. A throwing motion permits a ton of variety in the swing path and racket head manipulation. There's a reason why good players make it look EASY ... it's because the throwing motion they are using to hit the ball makes it much easier to hit the ball with power/ spin and variety and to do so while moving, off-balance, moving forward, backwards or sideways and to hit balls from a huge range of contact points - high, low, out wide, in close etc. Those that teach tennis have made it seem much more rote & complicated than it is/ should be.

[@guyrestivo]

@JBC -3 really enjoyed ur analysis..funny about your comparison to a shortstop--i played it for all the years when i was young and because i was so quick-too quick to get the ball out of my glove and throw--i ended up trapping my elbow and and couldnt exterernally rotate the shoulder blade going back and then internally rotate shoulder going foward..my mechanics were awful and plagued me all my life(but who knew as a dumb kid)..now that im a newbe to tennis(havent even played yet)--these mechanics all make sense but at 64 its hard to unlearn lifelong bad habits..anyway something clicked after reading ur comments(ex.sidearm throw) and just want to thank you..i just wished i had taken up tennis as a youngster to learn all these mechanics--it would have prevented alot of overthrows and short-arms to 1st base..haa..thks again

[@leolionroarrrrrrr5509]

Work on that muscle memory and technique that are unique to tennis. and once these traits are incorporated , loosen up and let the kinetics of a throwing motion apply to tennis. Especially on serve. I always thought serve was just a throwing motion. But translated to tennis, there’s lot of technique involved.

[@CioDeN]

Thank you for your well explained instruction and drills..

[@hisherswineswhiskeys8010]

video was solid! You just helped out the TennisBoySunday

[@CampTrez]

Great video, thank you

[@Arunkumar-bg5xk]

Oh my god you guys are so good. How are you guys not on the atp tour. In pursuit of topspin, I have almost forgotten to flatten out my forehands. As a result, I’m getting my ass handed to me by pushers. Could you guys make a video on hitting a more consistent second serve but with some pace ?

[@youssefelsayed5867]

This is exactly what i was looking for! Great video man👍

[@StevenWilliamsHome]

Well done Majeed! Keeping S&V alive :-)

[@クリームイカ]

Simple but detail, and totally relatable

[@francescomancuso4960]

Great awesome video! Can you do a similar one for 2H backhand pls? Thanks a lot

[@Yoruking189]

Your channel is growing 👀 Let’s get that 100k 💯

[@anthonygibson660]

Great video and GREAT hitting.

[@rkozzy369]

Some of the best tennis tips/drills around. Really well explained. I like to understand the mechanics. 😊 Will deffo give these drills a go.

[@adsl97]

Very good explanations. Thanks! Subscribed

[@damon123jones]

your backhand is amazing

[@trainswithcharlie]

Really good, thanks for making this video!!!

[@vitorferreira9549]

Hi ! Just a suggestion. I tried to reduce the speed of the video to 0.75 and it helped me to follow better your video ;) i dont know other's experience of course, but i would bet you can slow down a little bit :) thanks :)

[@RacquetFlex]

Hi Vitor! Thanks for your feedback 😉 That will definitely be something that I keep in mind.

[@twinwankel]

Another great video. I have used just about every grip and I notice that the full or semi-western is actually great for short hop balls of good or hard pace. This is because the rises fast and you want to get over the top of it with a close racket face otherwise it will go long. For normal low balls, you are right, the eastern grip has advantages cos the racket face is more open. So as in one of your older videos, I do the vertical swing path for these balls.

[@duane8829]

What a great video! Your very best one I think. Thanks for the great info!

[@pieterbeckertenniscoaching5808]

Yes sir. Push back then clean up with flat ball. Good stuff👏👏

[@RacquetFlex]

Thanks for the kind words Pieter!

[@pragersowell]

Excellent content and presentation. Thank you.

[@rucas10]

Excellent video ! Great tips !

[@welljew]

Loved it!! Thank you!!

[@furatal-samaraie3884]

Wonderful attitude!

[@xellosii]

Great content! Learnt a lot from watching this. Keep up the good work!

[@muhammadsatriabudiutama1483]

Just watching you guys rallying, is satisfying

[@RacquetFlex]

Hahaha, thank you Muhammad. Much more to come!

[@lauraulrich2837]

Awesome video thank you!!

[@petestation]

Great content. Appreciate it guys!!!

[@brettneuberger6466]

Another great lesson!

[@akin1989]

Great video gentlemen

[@libsrcrazy9634]

Great video. Love the hair. You seem like a real nice guy. Appreciate you.

[@sudarshanchauhan4774]

Great content So I play with Semi Western grip, I hit topspin but when I need to play flat shot with SW grip, it doesn't add much power in it. How to add that power in it, should I change the grip for flat shot? Also Where to exactly hold the racquet on SW, I hold the racquet but can't feel it properly

[@thompsdo]

Great video! Where is your polo shirt from?

[@Quasar70]

Great explanation man

[@sloany150884]

Quality tips cheers guys👍🏻 is there any chance you could do a video on the no look overhead volley you often see Rafa do?

[@sneauxman3859]

Love your content! Thank you!

[@hieulecong6725]

Very informative, helped me alot

[@the1tfactor]

Awesome video. Don’t see the quiz, though?

[@sonictype]

I like your positive smiley attitude

[@arvee9129]

Great lesson 👍

[@djp3525]

Nice! Just subscribed

[@davidyu3056]

very helpful, thanks!

[@awangsafrisafri476]

Good information 🎾

[@raymondjoel4431]

@RacquetFlex Question, what string do you use?

[@bushwakka007]

Good explanations

[@frankojudoka]

My flat, top spin and slice are starting to come along. I will switch them up against tough opponents.

[@stevenmckelvey80]

The out call at 0:37 😂

[@cossav2560]

Great advice thanks

[@omard-e9u]

From Moroccan sahara 🇲🇦🇲🇦 thank you

[@xband]

Great video. I definitely fall into the too much spin category. I think i tend to a bent arm also which this combination gives me issues with both high balls, and producing flat drive. I seem to be struggling to get the shoulder movement you’re describing. Given this perhaps i should focus more on the Kyrios style for flat shots. Getting sick of opponents running down wide angle shots over and over until i hit it out.

[@luiksuarez1274]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@kevindo-tran3781]

Amazing video. 👏

[@henrydong4884]

Hi ! Can my kids practice with this coach in person ?

[@TJ_104]

For top spin you said hitting the ball in front. But shouldnt that be done for a flat shot aswell? I dont understand the difference in that aspect. Or is hitting in front just the requirement for top spin and for a flat shot you have to additionally do more of the shoulder rotation while top spin is more wind schield wiper motion?

[@hoyoungjung6727]

Great lesson~!! Thanks

[@siva7923]

So bent arm creates more spin and straight arm flattens the ball ?

[@sergiosimbula]

No. Actually Nadal has a straight arm at contact (on those extremely heavy spin balls). Flattening a shot out comes from applying a more horizontal swingpath (in stead of the windshield wiper). With both you should still transfer weight through the ball and make your contact point as long as possible.

[@stevekim578]

Thank you for nice video!!