Generating Topspin

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 12 years ago

Linda Zbinden

Linda Zbinden Asked 12 years ago

Hello Jeff and Alois

I would like to improve my topspin skill.  Could you suggest me a way or a video help me to practicing? Especially playing with underspin and topspin. My problem is that I always hit the ball directly instead of loop the ball.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Linda,

Your focus needs to be on the contact point.  It is important to get the brushing contact on the ball.  You could try to find a wheel and brush it with your bat to make the wheel spin forward.  We often use a CD on a pencil.  If you hit it directly, the wheel will not spin. This is the same principle as when you are trying to play topspin.


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Jeff Plumb

Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

Hi Linda,

We talk about the spin wheel in PingPod #9. A lot of people have found it helpful in learning how to spin the ball.

Out of curiosity what sort of bat are you using?


Justin Lance

Justin Lance Posted 12 years ago

Alois, wouldn't hitting a hard surface like a CD damage your rubbers?

Linda Zbinden

Linda Zbinden Posted 12 years ago

Hi Jeff, 

 I have seen the spin wheel in PingPod, it is very nice, I am using penholder.

What my problem is, I can't find out the correct contact point, that's why my ball is always go into net. I practiced with spin wheel, I can start with different position to let wheel spin, but where is the correct position to star? Can you give me more advice?

 thanks 


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

Hi Jone,

You are right, it could damage your rubber.  I use an old bat to practice it.  You could get a softer wheel of some sort as well or put a padding around the CD. 


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

Hi Linda,

If the ball is going into the net you can start with your bat a little lower and finish higher.  This would mean that when  you brush the ball your contact will be more on the back of the ball rather than the top.  This contact will help to lift the ball over the net. 



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