Ball Flight Stage and More Spin
Strokes
Ilia Minkin Asked 10 years ago
Hi Alois,
I watched your lesson on the spin & speed variation on forehand topspin. I have a question, though. Suppose that I want to put as much spin as I can on the ball. If so, should I brush the ball at the top of the bounce? Or when it starts to fall?
Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago
Hi Ilia,
To get more spin versus speed ratio it is best to wait till the ball is dropping. When you hit the ball at the top of the bounce you can still get the ball to rotate at the same speed but the effect won't be as much because of the speed on the ball.
Recommended Video
Forehand Counterhit
The forehand counterhit or forehand drive is the foundation for more attacking strokes such as the forehand topspin or forehand loop. There are 3 critical factors:
- Your feet position
- Your start position
- Your finish position
If you concentrate on these 3 factors then your stroke will become extremely consistent. Once you can reliably hit 100 balls in a row then you are ready for more attacking strokes. If you can hit 1,000 balls on in a row then you know you've truly mastered the stroke.
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Ilia Minkin Posted 10 years ago
Thank you Alois. I have a style dilemma. I like to play close to table topspin taking the ball at the top. But I feel that no matter how hard I train, my footwork, timing and anticipation are still rudimentary. Is it a good idea to change the style: take a step back off the table and take the ball at falling creating safer and more curved trajectories? And maybe after a while, when I get better, I can return to playing closer to the table.
Hi Ilia,
By taking a step back you will give yourself more time and margin for error as well. Try it for a little while to see how it feels.
Ilia Minkin Posted 10 years ago
Cool, really liked your discussion in the show about the effects of the speed and spin. Previously, when I tried to play close to the table topspin people told me that my shots "had no spin." I thought it could be impossible because I swang my bat fast and almost horizontally brushing over the top of the ball. Now I see why those guys tried to convince that my loops were "no-spin"...