Tennis - Topspin Forehand Lob

Explanation: The topspin forehand lob is very difficult to return once it has gone over the head of an opponent because when the ball bounces the topspin takes it even further away from the player chasing it.

This means when it is executed properly a high percentage of these shots will be winners, so it is a good shot to have in the locker.

How: This shot requires a lot of topspin to bring the ball down as fast as possible after clearing the net player. This means the racket has to go from low to high, the player should meet the ball in front of the body and finish up with the racket head above the racket side of the head.

To help get the height to lift the ball above an opponent the player should lean down slightly on the racket side, so the shoulder is lower, and have the face of the racket open a bit.

Players may think that the racket being open would stop the topspin, but because the low to high motion is so defined and obvious, this is what creates the topspin on the shot.

Points to Remember: Players should try and disguise the shot by setting up as they would for any other ground stroke, and make the necessary changes at the last minute. Don't use it too often.

Other Lobs, Overheads and Techniques: