The key factor to top spin, and any controlled shot from a groundstroke, is the forearm. The groundstroke relies on the whole body coming together to execute one shot, from the legs to the core to the arms. While most coaches focus on the footwork and the core, and the syncing of the two (more tips on those soon š), we need to also understand the importance of the arm.
During a swing, the forearm goes through pronation and supination as it makes a āCā like shape. The pronation, the arm facing downward, transitioning into supination, the arm facing upward, and the trajectory from one to the other, determines the type of spin, the arch of the ball, and the pace behind it.
As the legs and core come together as well, the more controlled and powerful the shot can be.