Backhand and forehand loop technique

Nathan Wu Asked 4 months ago

Hi Pingskills,

Just to clarify, are you supposed to move your body up to lift the ball but use your arm to properly it forwards for forehand and backhand? If not what should I do instead?

Alois Rosario Answered 4 months ago

Hi,

That's a great question — the distinction between lifting the ball and propelling it forward is subtle but important in both the forehand and backhand topspin strokes.

To clarify:

You don’t separate the lift and forward motion into "body for up" and "arm for forward." Instead, both work together to produce a smooth, integrated motion with a brushing contact that creates topspin.

Here’s how it works:

Forehand Topspin:

• Legs and body rotation help generate upward and forward momentum.

• Your legs push you up, and your waist/hip rotation drives the stroke forward.

• Your arm follows through with a controlled swing — not too much tension, guiding the racket through the ball.

• You brush the top or top-side of the ball to get topspin, not by hitting through it, but by grazing it with acceleration.

Backhand Topspin:

• You bend slightly and use your knees and body lift to support the stroke.

• The waist rotates, especially in the backhand loop, which adds power.

• The forearm and wrist control the fine angle and brushing action.

• Again, the lift and forward motion are combined, not isolated.

So what should you do?

• Think of your body, arm, and racket working in sync.

• Use your legs and core to support the lifting action.

• Use your arm and wrist to apply the brushing contact — not to "hit" the ball but to accelerate through the brushing motion.

Trying to break it into "body lifts, arm hits" often leads to mistiming and poor contact. Instead, build a full-body rhythm — almost like a wave — where the movement flows from the ground up, with the racket brushing through the ball at the right angle and speed.