Don't move backward

Strokes

DHS Lover
DHS Lover Asked 12 years ago

Hi PingSkills

My coach always tell me to not move backward when playing and tell me to always get close to the table

can you tell me why ? but when i'm not move backward, i can't do a good topspin stroke especially when topspining a topspin

In topspin against topspin video, you also said to get closer to table but how ? as the topspin will kick out and fast so i've to move backward to generate a good topspin stroke

please for the answer :D

thank you very much


Alois Rosario
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Frendy,

Try to stay as close as possible to the table.  Against faster shots you may need to move further away but don't just move back by habit.


Recommended Video

Table Tennis Video Tutorial

Crossover Footwork

When you need to reach that really wide ball the regular shuffle step just won't get you there in time so you need to use the crossover step. This is essentially a running action to get you to the ball as fast as possible.

Watch Now

Thoughts on this question


DHS Lover

DHS Lover Posted 12 years ago

so can i know why i must keep close to table ? 


Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

It gives you the most options and cuts down the time that your opponent has.


DHS Lover

DHS Lover Posted 12 years ago

anyway, about the topspin stroke

why i see that many people move backward a little when generate topspin but my coach tell me to not move backward because my playing style is attack the ball when the ball bounce on the top rather than the other that topspin when the ball is a little lower

is it true about the playing style ?


Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

If the ball is very fast then you can move backwards but otherwise stay close.


DHS Lover

DHS Lover Posted 12 years ago

what about topspin to topspin ? as i watched the video it seems that the position is very fat backward from the table and if i move forward i can't hit the ball with consistency


Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

That is when the ball is fast.


DHS Lover

DHS Lover Posted 12 years ago

and also, with that topspin to topspin as the ball is high and the position is backward, can i try to smash the ball rather than topspin it ?


Jeff Plumb

Member Badge Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

Hey Frendy,

You can try that if the ball is high enough and you feel comfortable with the shot. Having more topspin on the ball allows you a greater margin for error though as this will cause the ball to dip more.


DHS Lover

DHS Lover Posted 12 years ago

hhmm.... okay then... thank you very much for all the advice.... ^^


Oliver

Oliver Posted 12 years ago

From experience, here are a few more reasons why you should stay closer:
1. You have less table to cover
2. You have more options when someone topspins to your backhand
3. If you move back too much, your shots become weaker
4. You can deflect your opponent's spin and use that against them.

I'm very glad I changed my style to close table.


Jeff Plumb

Member Badge Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

You raise some good points Oliver!


DHS Lover

DHS Lover Posted 12 years ago

but for me sometimes the topspin will go out if i stay close to the table when the start position is between my hip and my knee, so i change it a little higher around my hip and than generate my topspin...

is it still good to now have that low start position ?


Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

As you get closer to the table you don't need as big a swing so starting near the hip is good.


DHS Lover

DHS Lover Posted 12 years ago

oh ok then. but i have problem for the second topspin as my first topspin is very fast and when the opponent block it i don't have time to topspin it again

any error on my position or what ?


Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

Think about your balance when playing the first topspin.  If you are balanced you will have a better chance of hitting the second one properly.


DHS Lover

DHS Lover Posted 12 years ago

ok... i'll try to do it... thanks for the advice


Become a free member to post a comment about this question.