Backhand Counterhit

W W Asked 8 years ago

Hi Alois,

I am confused by the backhand counterhit.

In the video is Jeffs arm extending so its straight out, or is it rotating on his elbow (keep a 90 degree angle)?

When I went down to the local TT club, I was extending my arm for a counterhit, and they said I was pushing at it and should not do that. Rather try to drive my arm more sideways?

Further can you explain what your wrist should be doing when you are first starting out trying to learn the stroke?

Thanks,

W

Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Hi W,

You can allow the forearm to rotate naturally as it goes out.  Initially we recommend you to keep the angle of the racket the same all the way through the stroke but once you relax and allow the arm to move naturally it will turn.

Don't use your wrist initially either.  Develop control first and then you can relax the wrist more and allow it to move through naturally for more speed and spin.