Follow Up Forehand
Strokes
Mudit Kapoor Asked 13 years ago
Hi Alois,
I have two different situations where I need help. Firstly, after hitting a first topspin against a backspin I get a block, this block is either fast and long OR it is low, slow and barely comes out of the table.
I normally try not to hit hard against this since I miss a lot on these kind of returns but I try to manage the ball instead by just keeping it. I have noticed that by managing the ball I normally lose the advantage of the attack initiated by me and mostly my opponent scores over me. Can you please share your experience and let me know that how can I keep the advantage with me and still win the point? One more thing is that after hitting the first forehand I normally get in action for the second forehand (as in multiball) but if the block comes on the backhand (this is another problem) then I am not that much prepared. What to do in this case?
Regards, Mudit
Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago
Hi Mudit,
The next ball after the topspin against backspin is a next step to progress to and one I find a lot of players have trouble with.
We have made a Master Class on this topic, Forehand Followup.
There is a subtle difference between the first and second forehands. You need to change the angle of your swing and come more forward with the second ball. You can still attack it aggressively as long as you get the angle right. If you find it difficult it may be due to your balance as well. Make sure that after the opening topspin you balance yourself and are ready for the next ball. If you are balanced this will also help with your other problems of being ready for the backhand. Your balanced position needs to be like the Basic Stance so that you can move and be ready for both sides.
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Anticipation
How is it that a player can always seem to get back those extremely fast topspins? Is it their incredible anticipation? The key to good anticipation actually lies in tracking the ball well. When you watch the ball closely your peripheral vision will pick up your opponents movements and with lots of practice those signs will help you anticipate what your opponent is going to do. This happens naturally with lots of experience. So it it your job to ensure that you are tracking the ball really carefully.
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