Handle heavy chop

Ajit Ranganathan Asked 2 months ago

What is the best way to handle heavy chop on both forehand and backhand from the opponent - will drive ever work with heavy chop or top spin is always required?

Alois Rosario Answered 2 months ago

Hi Ajit,

Against a heavy chop, you have two main attacking options:

1. Topspin (the most reliable choice)

   • A chop has strong backspin, so if you just drive forward, the ball tends to go into the net.

   • By brushing up on the ball, you convert the backspin into topspin, which lifts it over the net.

   • On forehand and backhand, this means a topspin loop or a brushing drive with plenty of upward action.

   • The heavier the chop, the more upward the racket needs to travel, with thinner contact.

2. Drive (possible, but risky with heavy chop)

   • A flat drive can work against lighter chop if you adjust your racket angle enough (more open than usual).

   • But the heavier the backspin, the less consistent a flat drive becomes, because the ball will bite into the rubber and drag it downwards.

   • At best, you can use a very controlled, forward stroke with a lot of upward lift in the contact but at that point you’re basically doing a mini topspin anyway.

3. Push
   The other option is to push the ball back with backspin.  This is a safe stroke but could lead to your opponent making the attacking stroke.