Forehand Counterhit

Abhay Pant Asked 2 weeks ago

I tried all of the things that should be done but my coach still tells me to lift or throw the ball rather than plain hit it (In my opinion I think I lifted it but still he tells me "That was a plain hit") & I'm unable to understand what he meant by that I searched for everything but I don't know what am I missing. Could you please help me!

Alois Rosario Answered 1 week ago

Hi Abhay,

What your coach means by “lift or throw the ball rather than plain hit it” is that you’re not generating enough topspin with an upward brushing motion. Even if you feel you are lifting, the action might still be too flat or contact might be too thick. Here’s why and how to fix it:

What’s happening now

• Your stroke is probably contacting the ball too squarely, so the ball goes forward without much spin.

• This feels like lifting to you because the racket moves up slightly, but your angle and brushing contact aren’t enough to grab the ball and spin it.

What “lifting/throwing” really means

• It means engaging the rubber to brush the ball, not just hit through it.

• Think of “throwing the ball forward and up with spin,” not “pushing it flat to the other side.”

Key things to check

1. Contact Point

   • Hit the ball at its back or bottom when looping against backspin.

   • Brush so the rubber grips the ball, creating friction. If the ball feels like it sinks into the sponge too much, you’re hitting, not brushing.

2. Racket Angle

   • Open the racket slightly when lifting backspin.

   • Your angle should feel like it’s sliding under the ball and then forward.

3. Swing Path

   • Start low (below the ball) and finish forward and slightly upward.

   • The motion should be like drawing a Nike swoosh (low-to-high, slightly forward).

4. Speed at Contact

   • The brushing motion needs acceleration at the point of contact.

   • If you swing too slowly or too flat, the rubber can’t grab the ball for spin.

5. Relaxed Wrist & Forearm

   • If your wrist is locked or too stiff, the stroke becomes a push or hit.

   • Loosen up and allow a bit of forearm and wrist snap for brushing.

Practical Drill

• Drop a ball on the floor, and with your racket try to brush it so it comes back to you with spin instead of pushing it away.

• This teaches the feeling of grabbing the ball with the rubber.