When to drive or topspin

Hi Coach. Would you say that most of the time you use a drive when time is very limited, such as a long fast serve, or a fast push that puts you out of position? And you hit topspin against backspin,side spin, or slower topspin? Is the difference between a drive and topspin basically the backswing and use of wrist? It seems like it takes a long time for this to become automatic, and to be on the safe side I drive too much. Thanks.

Hi Thomas,

The topspin is an extension of the drive and can be used when you have a little more time.  If you are worried or tense then you will tend to revert to the smaller safer stroke because of the tension in your arm especially.

If you are seeing the ball well and recognising the full amount of time you have then this will open up more possibilities to play the topspin.  You will then relax the wrist and arm and allow the bigger swing and enable the brushing contact to get an effective topspin stroke.