Forehand Topspin Contact

Strokes

Johnny Long Asked 10 years ago

Hey,

I've been told to contact the ball at 3 o'clock, kind of on the side of the ball when executing the forehand topspin.

Is this correct?

Thanks much.

Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

Hi Johnny,

I like to contact the ball right behind the lone of the ball so that you get pure topspin. This will allow you to generate more speed later.

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Thoughts on this question

Jared Peterson Posted 10 years ago

I'm sorry Alois but what exactly is the "lone " of the ball

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago
Oops sorry.. Line… Meaning the path that the ball is coming to you.

Johnny Long Posted 10 years ago

Ok, thanks for the reply Alois.

So if I contact the ball at 3 o'clock, I wouldn't really be getting pure topspin, but some sidespin?

Thanks.

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago
Yes that is right. Aim for pure topspin.

Jean Balthazar Posted 10 years ago

See here: http://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis/strokes-and-technique/sidespin-forehand-topspin/

I find the sidespin topspin is a little more difficult to execute because the margin for error in the meeting of the ball's and the bat's trajectories is smaller. If you hit straight against the ball's trajectory (pure topspin) and you mistime your shot a bit, there's a good chance you'll still hit the ball. If you try to hit on the side of the ball, the same kind of error can make you miss the ball completely.

I often use the "hook shot" when I'm forced wide away on my forehand side and I have to dive to reach the ball. As I know I will probably not have the time to come back to the table if my opponent makes a successful block, I try to force an error with heavy sidespin (and the associated lesser topspin). It often works. But I keep it as a surprise variation.

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