High Bat Stance for Pushing
Strokes
Rick August Asked 1 month 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 1 month 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.
Recommended Video
Advanced Forehand Topspin
Once you've mastered the start and finish position of the forehand topspin, you can start to focus on finer details. In this video we talk about the position of your legs, weight transfer, varying the finish position, incorporating footwork, the use of your wrist, and the angle of your bat for the stroke.
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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.
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.