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Athena Pickleball Founder Jessica Improta Releases 3-Step Topspin Progression

An 11-minute YouTube lesson explains how topspin lets players swing harder without losing control.

Overview

  • Improta’s video breaks learning into self-feed reps, a partner toss phase, and live ball feeds to build feel, timing, and application.
  • She prescribes a low-to-high brush with the paddle tip down, palm facing the ground, a slightly right-of-center grip, and sustained wrist lag to prevent an open face.
  • Her explanation links forward spin to an upward then downward flight path, allowing power with control as physics pulls the ball back into the court.
  • She stresses that topspin is difficult at first and urges patient, on-court repetition rather than rushing through the progression.
  • Separate guidance published today highlights common mistakes identified by coach Tanner Tomassi, including muscling with the elbow or wrist, starting with a sideways paddle, and failing to finish over the shoulder.