Driving the Ball: Correct Angle of the Bat

Stigaman Devon Asked 3 weeks ago

Hi Alois,

Have you tips to help me? After I have topspinned a backspin ball, I tend to want to spin up again when I would like to keep my arm higher and contact the top of the ball and drive the ball,

Many thanks,

Stigaman

Alois Rosario Answered 3 weeks ago

Hi, 

Thanks for reaching out with your question! It sounds like you're looking to transition from a topspin stroke against backspin to a more direct driving technique. This shift can be quite effective in varying your play and catching your opponent off guard.

The angle of your bat when driving the ball, particularly after playing a topspin stroke, is crucial. For a drive, you generally want your bat angle to be more closed compared to when you loop or topspin the ball. This means tilting the top of the bat slightly forward towards the net. The exact angle can vary based on your distance from the table and the height of the ball.

Here are a few tips to help you make this adjustment:

The key is to follow through forward unlike the loop where your follow through is more upward.  It sounds like a. simple adjustment but I see a lo to players struggle with this change.  Really focus on hitting the ball down and even aim to hit the ball into the net to start with.

Try practicing a sequence where you play a topspin stroke followed by a drive, and focus on adjusting the bat angle and contact point. Remember, the key to executing effective drives is not just the bat angle but also timing and positioning.

Keep practicing, and you'll find the right balance to incorporate this stroke effectively into your games.