Learn, compete, and court up.

• Consistent toss in front of hitting shoulder
• Trophy position before knee drive
• Pronate through contact for pace & spin

• Flat: Power
• Slice: Sidespin
• Kick: Topspin
• Underhand

Grip

• Semi-western grip makes topspin easier.
• Eastern grip works but generates less spin.

Stance & Preparation

• Turn shoulders early and load on outside leg.
• Non-hitting arm points forward for balance.

Swing Path

• Drop racket below the ball.
• Swing low-to-high, brushing up the back of the ball.
• Contact slightly in front at waist height.

Follow-Through

• Finish high with racket over opposite shoulder.
• Relax arm and wrist for smooth motion.

Common Mistakes

• Flat swing instead of low-to-high → ball sails long.
• Late contact → less power and spin.
• Gripping too tight → stiff swing, no spin.

Drills

1. Shadow Swings: Practice low-to-high motion without a ball.
2. Mini-Topspin Rally: Rally close to the net with light topspin, then back up.
3. Target Practice: Aim cross-court, high arc, dipping inside baseline.

Grip

• Use a continental grip for better touch and control.
• Keep your grip pressure light (around 3–4 out of 10) to soften impact.

Stance & Preparation

• Stay low with knees bent and weight on the balls of your feet.
• Position paddle in front of your body, ready for either side.

Stroke Mechanics

• Compact backswing — keep paddle close to body.
• Contact ball in front, just after it bounces.
• Open paddle face slightly and guide forward with a push, not a swing.

Placement

• Aim cross-court for more margin over the net.
• Drop the ball into the opponent’s kitchen (non-volley zone).
• Vary depth and direction to keep them guessing.

Common Mistakes

• Taking too big of a swing → loss of control.
• Standing tall → less reach and slower reactions.
• Holding paddle too tight → ball pops up high.

Drills

1. Wall Dinks: Stand close to a wall and dink repeatedly without letting the ball drop.
2. Cross-Court Rally: Rally diagonally with a partner, keeping every ball in the kitchen.
3. Target Dinks: Place cones or markers in the kitchen and aim for them consistently.