Forehand Topspin Contact
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 8 years ago
Johnny Long Asked 8 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 8 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.
Thoughts on this question
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Jared Peterson Posted 8 years ago
I'm sorry Alois but what exactly is the "lone " of the ball
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 8 years ago
Oops sorry.. Line… Meaning the path that the ball is coming to you.
Johnny Long Posted 8 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 8 years ago
Yes that is right. Aim for pure topspin.
Jean Balthazar Posted 8 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.