Last updated on 18-May-2013 12:14:54 PM
Hi Alois
There's this player that always serves the same, a long backspin serve to my backhand, I have always tried countering the serve with my backhand topspin, but that usually gives him the upper hand as he's able to attack the third ball, as a result I try going for a bit more on the return which causes more of my balls to end up in the net.
I'm trying to be more of a defensive player, but I'm still not that confident or consistent in chopping and I'm trying to prevent attacks first rather than get in chopping position right away. Is there any way I can make a return that's more difficult for him to attack, a push maybe, or is the key in improving my backhand topspin, speed and placement. Also I'm going to put long pimples on my backhand like you suggested in the future, after I improve my chopping technique, so should my return change with the pimple rubber?
Hi Ziga,
If you are going to play an offensive stroke, you really need to develop your backhand topspin. If you can get someone to feed you some backspin balls using multi-ball, this is an ideal way to improve your strokes. Once you develop some consistency in your backhand topspin, you will find it much easier to return this type of serve.
If you decide to play defensively, you still need to try and make is as difficult as possible for your opponent to attack. The harder you can make it for them, then the easier time you will have defending.
wow you made a video response for me, cool, I really appreciate it. Thanks for all in the insight info.
I do have one more question on this however. Since I'm still using inverted rubber can I chop the return back, because I have been able to chop topspin and sidespin serves back, or does chopping a backspin serve only work with long pimples.
Thanks again guys you're great.
Hi Ziga,
You can chop with inverted rubber. It is easiest with a slower rubber.
Is it also good to use a robot? Thanks.
Another option, which is a more advanced technique, is to "twiddle" the bat, which entails spinning the blade around so you can either chop with the long pimples, or top spin with the inverted rubber, when playing on the backhand side.
It also makes it very difficult for your opponent to guess what your next shot will be.
The trick is to spin the bat after your opponent has made his/ her shot, which takes excellent reflexes and a sharp eye.
