Fear to topspin during a match

Hin Cheang Asked 6 years ago

When I play in a match I have a bad habit that when I see backspin I always push; when I see topspin I either block or smash. I never topspin during a match and I am fear to do so. While during practice I can flick I can loop I can drive with no problem. I know this is a mental thing that I need to fix for myself, is there any suggestion on how I should approach this issue?

Thanks Coach

Alois Rosario Answered 6 years ago

Hi Hin,

This often comes from eh tension in your body.  When you are tight your shoulder will feel very heavy and difficult to lift your arm.  Therefore when you see that backspin ball it is difficult to think about making a topspin.

In a match or in match practice games you should make a commitment to play a topspin whenever you see a backspin ball coming long.  Try to forget about the result of the point when this happens.  Really ficus on how easily you can lift your arm through the topspin stroke.  Once you start to do this well you will start to be able to play the stroke more easily.

Focus on the process of the stroke.