High Bat Stance for Pushing
Strokes
Rick August Asked 4 months ago
I've working on my topspin rally skills, so I've been working on keeping the bat in front and higher for faster forehand/backhand transitions. Recently, it seems like I'm missing more pushes and push returns. When I miss pushes, I've been hitting near the top of the net so it appears that I'm not getting under the ball. Do you think that my new stance with the higher bat position is contributing to this problem? Maybe I need to keep the bat a little lower in my stance.
Alois Rosario Answered 4 months ago
Hi Rick,
This is a really insightful observation—and you're quite possibly right.
When you raise your bat position to prepare for faster topspin rallies and transitions, it can absolutely affect your ability to get under the ball for pushes. The push stroke, especially against backspin, requires a lower bat starting position to allow the correct angle and brushing action underneath the ball.
In reality we don't often have enough tine to actually reset fully between shot.
Think of your ready position as something fluid. I like to think of it as constantly following the ball with your bat. As the ball is going out and coming in if you think about tracking the ball with your bat you will start to find a natural position for the follow through and the ready position for the next ball.
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I'm thinking that for my ready position to return serve, my elbow should be forward but my forearm should be more parallel to the table top. Right now, I have the forearm going upward too much which may make it harder to come in for a push.
Hi Rick,
Yes I think that is good. That way the bat is pointing at the ball when the other player is serving.
Alois, thanks for the advice. I'll try keeping the bat a little lower and my forearm more parallel to the table surface. I'll also try following the ball with my bat which should help my anticipation. I know that you had mentioned this in one of your previous videos.
There is a good video on Short Push Return, and ready position when receiving serves. Part of the 52 week training plan. Just after #29.