Groundstroke Tennis Training Aid — The History of the TopspinPro
About five years ago, I discovered the TopspinPro, one of the most innovative groundstroke tennis training aids I’ve seen in a long time. Since then, I’ve been using it every day on the courts.
But recently, because I couldn’t get on the courts during the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order, it was a life-saver.
It kept me connected with my game while the courts were closed. And it allowed me to create unique video lessons for my students.
TopspinPro Prototypes
The TopspinPro started as an innovative tennis training aids idea by inventor, Phillip Hofmeyr in 2007. He eventually created the prototype with a hula hoop, coat hanger, tennis ball, and good old-fashioned duct tape. He envisioned teaching pros using this convenient training tool all over the globe.
More prototypes followed, like this one forged out of metal. It more closely resembles the unit we know today, with a spring-loaded ball and racquet-path guide.
In 2013, the TopspinPro Mark I was born. And this is where I came onto the scene. I love innovation. And, as a teaching professional, I’m always on the lookout for new innovative tennis training aids.
Internet Search — Innovative Tennis Training Aids
So, I scour the internet from time to time, looking for teaching aids like TopspinPro.
During one of my internet adventure tours, I stumbled upon an online tennis instructor’s website and watched him using the product. Fascinated, I remember I was impressed by its ingenious, functional design.
I’ve purchased my fair share of similar types of tennis training aids over the past 35 years as a teaching professional. But nothing that looked this good – I had to get one! After failing to find it on Amazon, I contacted the company in England.
TopspinPro — Product Launch History
I was their first Hawaii customer, and they were happy to ship it out to me but noted that the shipping would be a little pricey. I was determined, though, because I had a feeling it would be well worth the investment.
In 2015, Kickstarter funding started a campaign for the TopspinPro. It launched on a street corner outside of Wimbledon. 147 backers pledged £13,896 (approximately $21,122) to help bring this project to life.
Andy Murray’s then-coach, Jonas Bjorkman, ordered two units, then Monica Niculescu shot a video with it and bought three. Soon after, the Australian Tennis Professional Coaches Association endorsed the TopspinPro. And the rest is history!
I’ve been impressed by the company’s attention to detail since the first model I purchased. And I’m staying on top of their product improvements—improvements that have made the TopspinPro what it is today!
Here’s my spin on why the TopspinPro is a great training aid.
- The ball spins when you hit it properly, giving you immediate feedback.
- The screens on the unit help shape the topspin stroke right from the beginning.
- Portable…easy to break down and even comes with a drawstring bag.
- Versatile…use the ball assembly in the tri-pod stand, or you can take it out and have someone hold it for you to work on other shots, even serves.
Improve Your Topspin — Demo this Groundstroke Tennis Training Aid
I still have my original unit (with all the upgrades), and I have a couple of newer models too! Even some of my students wanted their own TopspinPro to practice at home! I was thrilled to know they were hitting balls and practicing during the evolving April, May, June COVID-19 Stay-at-Home period!
If you’re interested in taking a test drive on a TopspinPro, I’d be happy to let you demo mine. You can also visit their website and check it out.
If you’re looking for a fun way to improve your game, you can use the TopspinPro on or off the court.
Order Your Own TopspinPro for $139
It takes about 8 days to arrive in Hawaii & shipping is free.
