Forehand topspin progression

Setup

1. Coach feeds from just behind the far service line.
2. Cones mark a deep target zone between the far service line and baseline.
3. Players line up behind the near baseline, one hitting at a time.

How it runs

1. Stage 1: coach feeds to the forehand, player hits 6 balls into the deep zone.
2. Stage 2: feeds alternate centre and wide; player recovers to the centre mark between balls.
3. Stage 3: coach rallies live; count forehands landing past the service line.
4. Move up a stage after 4 of 6 balls land deep.

Coaching points

• Semi-western grip, racket head drops below the ball before contact.
• Swing low to high and brush up the back of the ball.
• Contact in front of the front hip, then finish over the opposite shoulder.
• Aim 1–2 metres over the net; topspin brings the ball down.

Common mistakes

• Swinging flat through the ball, so it sails long or hits the net.
• Lifting with the arm only instead of using the legs and trunk.
• Rolling the wrist over early so the ball dips short.