Training Methods for strokes - Net Height and Spin

I have students target midway between the service line and baseline with moderate spin. The net clearance height becomes a function of the desired depth. I set guidelines of 3-6 feet above the net depending on the speed and spin. My only firm rule is to avoid net skimmers.

How to handle a Lobber

First, most lobbers have no short game so I recommend bringing them up to the net. If they had strong short/net game they wouldn't likely be lobbing you. Practice and refine drop shots as part of this tactic.

Secondly, you need an air defense and that means a smash. Most players don't practice it but I recommend and develop that along with deep volleys. For doubles players, I add in the half volley so between a volley and a half volley you have low and midheight balls covered. Then it's all about whether you can handle offensive and defensive lobs.

Generally, you practice taking defensive high arcing lobs on the bounce while out of necessity you take offensive fast low arcing balls on the fly.

What is Topspin and How is it Generated

Topspin is a ball that rotates forward from top to bottom in the same direction that the ball is traveling.

Friction is an essential element in creating topspin. Try getting topspin on a ball with a 2x4 instead of the grids of a racket string bed and you'll see that friction matters. Beyond that, the rate of rotation, speed, and height are determined by racket head speed at contact and the angle of attack on the ball.

The Original Standard Method created by Dennis Van Der Meer described a topspin groundstroke simply as generating a low-to-high motion with a vertical racket face.

Approach Shots: The Flat Approach

Nowadays you see the few pros that come to the net often hitting topspin approach shots.  Not only is this difficult to time well when moving forward and attempting to drive a shot while keeping it in the court, it is not the ideal for getting the job done.

Most players now aren't adept at using chip/backspin on approach shots since they rarely use backspin with two handed backhands.  A good compromise method for both forehand and backhand approach shots is to hit the ball flat.  This is especially useful when the ball is close to net height, or even above it.

Advantages

With the flat approach you can cleanly target the ball to a corner or fire it directly at the feet of your opponent at the baseline while they are centered on the court.  Unlike a chip approach the ball will reach the target quickly and not skid,  but instead continue forward and result in a rushed shot for your opponent.

Your advantage increases at the net when your opponent trying to pass you is facing a fast moving ball and little time to prepare.   You can use this shortened response time to your advantage by virtually eliminating your opponent's chance to plan an offensive lob or a well placed passing shot.  You force them to look at the ball and do so in such a rush as to have less of an opportunity to use their peripheral view to decide on a direction to pass you.  If by chance they see you coming forward especially if you make a show of the split step you might even distract them from hitting the ball well.  In either case you can beat the passing shot by using a quick response since you've eliminated the time for disguise and deception from your opponent on the pass.

This is why I like the forced and flat approach as a great tool for handling higher balls that are not useful for the chip approach.   It allows you to use a dynamic forward motion through the approach rather than hitting a static shot after stopping to hit it as heavy topspin shots require except for lateral movement.    This allows the same advantage of the carioca step (grapevine) on the chip backhand approach by not excessively slowing the forward motion to the net.  You use a balanced pause with your momentum in check but not stopped as you rotate through the shot and then continue forward.

Since on a high ball lift is not required because you are closer to the net all your focus is on racket face direction rather than an upward lift.  Get the feel of using your palm to push the ball to the target in an inside out motion on the forehand.  Do the same with the back of your hand on a one handed backhand.  With the two handed backhand use the palm of the non-dominant hand as your directional tool.

I found the best means of pointing to the target prior to rotation is to point the lead shoulder directly at the target while at finish your are facing forward and then moving forward.

Try it yourself and you might find the flat approach shot is another great tool for your offensive game.