Dealing with Just long pushes

George Ioannidis Asked 13 years ago

My opponent very frequently returns my balls to my forehand very low and very close to the end of the table (long) with lots of backspin. Just because these are long balls to my forehand I tend to attack them ( I play chinese loop) but I cant clear the net in most occasions. Only trying to put them back on play topspinning gets them all back, but then it's an easy attack for him. What should I do?

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi George,

You should adjust the stroke you play.  Just make the stroke more vertical.  If you get enough spin on the ball it will make it difficult to return.

Also look at the placement of the ball.  Often a short topspin ball can be difficult to handle.  So vary the placement and the spin and you will find it will bring you good results.