tensing arms while doing topspin

Ittipat Amonrungmetham Asked 13 years ago

Hi Alois

Normally, when I do a topspin, I will keep my arm relaxed. But I think when I want to do a fast, spiny topspin, I will tense my arm when my bat is going to hit the ball. Am I doing the right thing? Or should I keep my arm relaxed throughout the stroke? But by doing so, I won't get the speed that I want.

So what is the most important thing to make a fast topspin without flat hitting?

Please help,

thank you

Ittipat

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Ittipat,

You don't need tension to generate speed.  In fact it is counter productive to have tension.

We often feel like when we want to hit the ball harder we need to take control with our muscles.  this will only lead to more tension and less speed.  Keep you arm relaxed.  As long as you are getting it from the correct start position to the correct finish position with as little effort as possible you will start to be able to develop more speed with your strokes.

That is why the best players in the world look like it is easy, because they are using their muscles efficiently.