High Sidespin Lobs - My Options
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 11 years ago
khai phan Asked 11 years ago
How best to play a high topspin/side spin lob? Shoud I:
a) smash the ball at the top of the bounce?
b) let the ball drop and smash it?
c) let the ball drop and play a topspin drive?
d) let the ball drop and chop it back?
Jeff Plumb Answered 11 years ago
Hi Khai,
if the lob is really high and it bounces way above your head, I would wait for it to drop to around head high or shoulder high and then make a smash. You should watch the ball closely and get into a good position allowing for the sidespin which will make the ball turn a little as it bounces and curve a little in the air.
A smash is better than a topspin in this case because you have a good angle to the table hence you don't need the dip on the ball. With a smash you can hit it flat and fast.
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khai phan Posted 11 years ago
Thanks for the answer. You are right, I should watch the ball and get into the right position to play it but sometimes it's difficult to smash if the the ball goes to the left side of the table and also curving to the left (I'm a right-hander).
Khai
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
As you play more you will start to read where the ball is going and move quickly into position to make the forehand smash. Make sure you use the time that the ball is in the air to move into position. A lot of players tend to watch the ball as it goes up and try to move too late.