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By spinning, the ball will modify the airflow around itself and thus create an air pressure profile which will deflect the ball. This is the Magnus Effect.

 

So by applying top spin on the ball the way tennis players do, the ball is rotating in the direction of the trajectory. This will bend the trajectory downwards. If you look at the ball's speed as a vector, the vertical component of the top-spun ball's velocity is greater than the normal served ball.

In ball sports, topsin is a property of a ball that rotates forward as it is in movement. A downward force is produced as a result of applying topsin on a shot. This is due to its interaction with the air. 

 

In tennis, a topsin shot is hit by sliding the racquet up and over the ball as it is struck. By dragging the racquet over the ball, the friction between the strings and ball makes the ball spin forward, towards the opponent. Then, the shot dips down after impact with the ground and bounces at steeper angle. 

Attached, is a video showcasing Roger Federer's use of the topsin technique (0:10-0:29)

Topsin greatly benefits the player utilizing the technique as it brings the ball down toward the ground quicker and provides players with higher clearance over the net. Branching off of this advantage, a ball that descends from a greater height will bounce back up higher, often so high that the opponent will not be able to generate a powerful return short. As tennis is played on different court surfaces, this technique is more effectively used on slower and higher bouncing surfaces such as clay. 

VS

Top Spin

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