Forehand flick against extreme topspin

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 8 years ago

Romeo Chua

Romeo Chua Asked 8 years ago

Hi! Whenever I play with my practice partner, I always lose. I can't even return his serve properly because of its heavy topspin. I try to flick it, it flies off the table. I try to push it, it ALSO flies off the table. I can't flick it with a flat contact because the ball is low. How do I deal with this kind of ball?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Hi Romeo,

If the ball has topspin it will at some stage be above the level of the net after it bounces on your side.  This is the point that you need to hit it.  If you hit it too late or early it can be more difficult to flick it faster onto the table.

The topspin should actually help you to flick the serve.


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Thoughts on this question

Johan B

Johan B Posted 8 years ago

Maybe it's got a nasty dipping trajectory after the bounce? 

If you can't get the timing right to flick it flat at the right moment, you can try to block it, or add some topspin (gets your ball to dip) or sidespin to your flick (avoids the spin)


Romeo Chua

Romeo Chua Posted 8 years ago

Those are very good suggestions. Yes the ball does dip a lot. :) Thanks!



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