by Jenny Foster
One of the skills that is proven useful by pickleball players is the top spin. However, adding a top spin while hitting the ball is not something that can be learned right away. Aside from constant practice, there are tips that can help pickleball players to improve their top spin skill and use it when they are on the offense during a pickleball match.
Specifically, the forehand topspin volley is a very effective tool to attack the opponents. It offers pickleball players several advantages. First, the forehand topspin volley works effectively to attack from below the net level. Next, the topspin that is added to the ball forces the ball to dip down. As a result, the opponent finds it hard to counterattack the ball when lands at their feet. Finally, with the forehand topspin volley, the speed of the ball will accelerate after hitting the ground, again making it hard for the opponent to counterattack.
Meanwhile, the forehand topspin volley can only be achieved with the proper grip. One of the grips that work well with this shot is the continental grip. However, when using the continental grip, achieving the topspin motion can be difficult for the player. On the other hand, most professionals would advice using the eastern grip or a grip between easter and semi-western grip for the forehand topspin volley. Using either of these grips allows pickleball players to position the paddle face perpendicular to the ground, which is an important factor to successfully add a topspin to the forehand volley.
When making a forehand topspin volley, the pickleball player should stand low to the ground for maximum low-to-high motion. In addition, a low position will enable the player to accelerate ball when hitting it. At the same time, the pickleball player should drop their paddle as they assume a low, open stance with the knees bent. The paddle should be used to push up the ball (low-to-high swing path) toward the opponent’s court and end up the player’s opposite shoulder after hitting the ball.
When going for the forehand topspin volley, a pickleball player should ensure that their paddle hits through the ball (brushing it up) and forward before it reaches their other shoulder. In addition, the contact between the paddle and the ball can be low, high, or stretched, depending on the direction of the ball.
The rotation of the ball depends on the speed of paddle swinging. The faster the low-to-high swinging, the faster the ball. However, how deep is the ball going affects the extent of the paddle swing. When the ball is coming in low, the pickleball player should hit slowly from a low position. This would allow them to control the ball and avoid hitting the net. However, when the ball is a bit a higher or almost above the waist, the pickleball player can hit the ball and drive it with high speed.
As mentioned, forehand topspin volley can be attained with an open stance. In this regard, the pickleball player needs not to move one of their feet when turning their body. Instead, they can just turn their shoulder a little as they prepare to hit an incoming ball.