Definition

1. Noun:
   • Forward spin imparted to a ball: A rotational motion of a ball, especially in sports like tennis or table tennis, where the front of the ball spins forward in the direction of travel. This spin is typically created by brushing or striking the ball in an upward motion.

Usage

• Noun: The term is used primarily in the context of ball sports to describe a specific type of spin that affects the ball's trajectory and bounce.
  • Add topspin to your groundstrokes to make the ball dip down into the court.
  • The player's heavy topspin caused the ball to kick up high after it bounced.

Advanced Usage

• "Heavy topspin": Refers to a very pronounced or strong forward spin.
  • Her heavy topspin forehand is her biggest weapon.
• "To hit with topspin" / "To apply topspin": Describes the action of imparting this spin to the ball.
  • You need to brush up the back of the ball to hit with topspin.

Variants and Related Words

• Topspinner (n, informal): A bowler in cricket who delivers a topspin ball; or a player in other sports known for using topspin frequently.
• Topspin shot (n phrase): A stroke, such as a forehand or backhand, that is hit with topspin.

Synonyms

• Forward spin: A more general technical term.
• Overspin: A less common synonym used in some contexts.

Antonyms

• Backspin: Reverse spin (where the bottom of the ball spins forward).
• Slice: A shot hit with backspin, especially in tennis.

Related Phrases

• "Kick up" / "Jump up": Describes the action of a topspin ball after it bounces, due to its forward rotation.
  • The topspin made the ball kick up above his shoulder.

Noun

1. forward spin (usually of a moving ball) that is imparted by an upward stroke