Frequently Asked Technical Questions:

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THE REVERSE SPIN MOVE

Question:
Of all the contact moves, why do you consider the Reverse Spin the least taught contact move?

 Answer:
Probably when you first see the Reverse Spin demonstrated as a shadow move it looks pretty wild and wonderful. It is also a defensive move and in general defensive moves are not taught as much as offensive moves such as the step down and transfer. I have seen many coaches teach a back foot hop, 1 foot pivot, high slice step down and semi-open 2 foot pivot....but never a reverse spin...Yet, when you watch the pros in action you see it all the time. Once you have learnt the look of all these contact moves it becomes a game of “name that move” when you watch the tennis on TV!

Question:
What is the difference between a reverse spin and a low spin?

Answer:
I do agree that both these moves involve the spinning off the hips but like all the 15 contact moves that I teach these are always aspects that define a move and clearly make it different from the others. Of course there is sometimes a merging of moves where there is not a clear and clean defined balance move or perfect stance etc...or, the player is rushed and off balance and improvises....but lets’ look at how the reverse spin  is different to low spin -

1.) The balance move of a reverse spin is a side kick and the balance move of a low spin  is really all about staying low and keeping the angles in the legs

2.) The toe of the back leg points to the side fence whereas with the low spin the outside toes points in the direction of the intended shot direction

3.) Both involve spinning the hips, rotating around a central axis (the head) and both hit from a stable semi-open stance.

4.)  The reverse spin is usually hit as a forehand only shot whereas the low spin can be hit as either a forehand or backhand.

5.) The reverse is defined as a defensive shot whereas the low spin is defined as an offensive shot

6.) The reverse spin is a much more advance shot though both require very good timing and involve elevation i.e. both feet come off the ground

Question:
What are some common errors made when hitting a reverse spin?

Answer:
1.) Not setting the feet into a semi-open stance .i.e. both feet are not facing the side fence and/or the feet are too close together

2.) Not letting the ball drop into the strike zone. This is very common as players tend to rush the shot and hit the ball way too early.

3.)  Losing the angles in the legs means the player comes up with their legs as they hit the ball. The legs straighten up and all balance and athletic loading of the muscles is lost. It is important to snap the hips not jump up.

4.)  Kicking the leg too much or kicking the leg straight. This tends to make you fall off the shot and lose balance and power while also dragging the ball into the net. It is important to keep a vertical body axis and keep the chest up. It is important to get that back foot pointing to the side fence to aid recovery and help generate lots of topspin

5.) Pulling the head off the ball. Even though the body is rotating the head must remain still and the eyes watching the ball at all times

6.) Hitting off an unstable stance. It is really important to get back and get the feet well set when hitting a reverse spin.

Question:
What are some good teaching points?

Answer:
1. Freeze the finish ....a lot of players try and recover too early and do not get full extension with their swing. Hold the shot as if posing for a photograph. Sometimes (when doing fed ball)....I like them to hold their balance till the ball hits the back fence just so they can get this concept of holding the shot.

2. Finish with the elbow pointing up. I always like to say that the reverse spin is like hitting a second serve and the forward transfer a first serve. The reverse spin is all about hitting with heavy spin.

3.  Teach the reverse spin by placing arrows on the court to indicate the feet positioning and in particular how the back leg ends up facing the side fence.

4. Teach it throwing a tennis ball out of the hand. This will get the players understanding how they must brush up the back of the ball to generate topspin.

Question:
Why is the reverse spin such a good move to teach?

Answer:
The reverse spin is a great way for someone to understand topspin because just the nature of the shot teaches brushing up the back of the ball and this gives better shape too your ball. This adds variety to your game and gives you much better margins.

Question:
Why is the Reverse Spin a forehand only shot?
Answer:
I have some talented 2 handed backhanded kids able to hit a back hand reverse spin but I personally don’t teach it. It is a great option if someone has great foot speed and struggles with the high ball on the backhand. The fact that you hold the hand behind the handle on the forehand grip makes it easier to hit the forehand reverse spin.

Question:
Should all player s’ be taught the Reverse Spin?

Answer:
Some players are more elevated than others. I have found a lot of the time that old school adult players like to hit off the front leg and from a neutral stance. ... they are much more grounded as players i.e. they like at least one foot on the court at all times. A lot of players find the reverse spin doesn’t work for them or they don’t have the confidence to use this move in matches. You might find of all the 15 moves you only use 6 of them. All I can do is point and hope you look!!. Like going into a restaurant you select from the menu and use what works for you. This is why it is so important to communicate with your student and teach them the moves that THEY feel comfortable to use when the pressure is on and it matters when you miss i.e. in match play!!