Forehand Topspin Fade shot

Nathan Wu Asked 1 week ago

Hi Pingskills

I always wonder how the pros transfer their weight in backhand area for a forehand topspin completely to get a topspin with sidespin fade like shot which goes into the opponents wide backhand. It doesn't look like the orthodox technique. How do I do this shot?

Alois Rosario Answered 1 day ago

Hi,

You're right — this forehand topspin from the backhand corner, especially with sidespin fade, is a specialised shot that many top players use with devastating effect. It’s not strictly orthodox in the classical sense but has become a powerful modern weapon.

Here’s how it works and how to develop it:

1. Footwork: Set Up Early and Open Up the Body

• As the ball comes to your backhand corner, you need to pivot quickly with your right foot (for a right-hander)moving back and slightly outside the table.

• Your left foot should shift forward, creating a wide base — like a semi-open stance. This opens your torso to face the diagonal path where you want to hit.

2. Weight Transfer: From Right Foot to Left Foot

• Start with weight on the right leg, and transfer it powerfully forward and slightly left as you swing.

• The key is not just forward transfer but also a slight rotational drive from your right hip through the torso to your hitting shoulder. That’s what gives it the curve or “fade”.

3. Contact and Swing Path: Wrap Around the Ball

• Instead of brushing directly forward, your racket moves from the right and slightly under, wrapping around the side of the ball.

• Contact is usually on the side and top, producing a mix of topspin and sidespin.

• Your follow-through goes across your body, ending around your left shoulder or even beyond if the angle is wide.

4. Timing: Slightly Later Than a Normal FH Topspin

• You hit the ball just after the peak, allowing time for your body to rotate and line up the angle.

• This also helps in generating the fade effect as the sidespin has more time to act in the air.

5. Practice Progression

• Start with shadow swings to build the footwork and body rotation habit.

• Then try it slowly with a partner or multi-ball, focusing on brushing the side of the ball.

• Once you’re getting the curve, work on aiming to the opponent’s wide backhand corner.

Watch for inspiration: Ma Long and Fan Zhendong both do this brilliantly — the shot often curves outward as it lands, pulling the opponent away from the table.