Topspin in 3 Steps: Grip, Dip, Brush Low-to-High

Summary

Preston’s Playbook breaks topspin into three steps. First, shift from continental one notch (eastern) or two (semi-western) so the face is slightly closed. Second, dip the paddle head below the incoming ball. Third, brush up the back of the ball on a low-to-high path so the spin brings it down into the court.

Scale the backswing to time and distance: short near the net, bigger as you get farther back and have more time.

Key takeaways

• Eastern or semi-western closes the face for topspin
• Dip below the ball, then brush low → high
• Near net = short backswing; farther back = bigger swing

Action items

• Hit 30 shadow brushes checking paddle starts below the ball
• One drill set near kitchen (short) + one from transition (longer)