Attacking a high ball close to the net
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 10 years ago
Michal Michal Asked 10 years ago
Hi!
I've got a problem with attacking the third ball which bounces high, near the net. It always happen when I use topspin tomahawk serve. My opponent doesn't know what kind of serve I use and usually he is trying to push the ball over the net, but then the ball jumps up high, bounces high on my side of the table and then, when I think that's my sure point, I smash the ball with forehand and it almost always lands everywhere, but not on the table.
I don't know what I am doing wrong and it drives me crazy because instead of gaining easy points i lose them.
Please help ;)
Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago
Hi Michal,
This is an awkward ball. It feels so easy because it is high but it can be a tricky one.
We have an Ask the Coach video response to a similar question. High backspin close to net.
It is important to treat it with respect and allow for the backspin even though the ball is high.
Thoughts on this question
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Abhiram Reddy Posted 10 years ago
I had similar problems when i tried smashing closed to the net,so I inspected my shot and found that I was starting my swing from way behind the body and also my racket angle was more closed than required.So I shortened my backswing and opened the face more and now it works like a charm.
Michal Michal Posted 10 years ago
Thanks for the video. I am going to watch it as soon as I become a premium member.
I've just came back from training. I forgot to tell that sometimes I even miss the ball, which bounces up straight. I am wondering if it's not because of my too big willingness to hit the ball in a way that my opponent won't be able to do anything... or maybe I want to smash the ball too strong and then I miss it.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago
Hi Michal,
Often players do try too hard on this ball. It is a case of feeling like it should be an easy ball so really going after it when in fact it needs to be treated with more caution.