How closed the angle of the bat should be

Strokes

Atanas Atanasov
Atanas Atanasov Asked 14 years ago

Hi Alois!

When I am playing my topspin stroke, my partner is not closing very much to block the ball. I have a brushing contact but I think I am not making it with a lot of spin. How closed should be my partner's bat angle when blocking a good topspin and how to put more spin on the ball when playing the stroke?

Nasko 

Alois Rosario
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Nasko,

The angle changes so slightly with each spin so you shouldn't try to think of the angle for each stroke.  Just think of the angle for the ball as a feel rather than a number.  If the ball is going off the end adjust your angle down a little more.  This only comes with a lot of practice.

If you want to put topspin on the block then just move your bat over the top of the ball on contact.  You don't need to do much just brush forward slightly. 

Question actions

Back to Questions

More questions

Recommended Video

Why Blocking Is the Most Underrated Shot in Table Tennis

Blocking might not be flashy, but it wins points — especially against fast attackers. In this episode of the PingSkills Show, we reveal why blocking is one of the most underrated skills in table tennis — and how you can master it.

🧠 Skill Spotlight – Discover the importance of the block in table tennis.
⚡ Fix It Fast – Quick solutions to the most common blocking mistakes.
❓ Ask the Coach – Your questions answered on blocking angles, timing, and control.
📈 Train Smarter – Drills and training tips to help you improve your block under pressure.

Watch Now

Thoughts on this question (4)


Atanas Atanasov

Atanas Atanasov Posted 14 years ago

Thank you a lot, but that's not the thing I wanted to ask you. I mean that when I play my topspin stroke the blocker is not closing his bat angle so much. That means I can't put enough topspin on the ball by playing this stroke. Also how can I put more topspin on the ball when playing my topspin shot and how closed should be blocker's racket angle when blocking a good topspin. Sorry for the confusing question and for that repetition in my comment. 


andrew brand

andrew brand Posted 14 years ago

angle isnt everything here.  have a fast swing and a light brushing contact and this will make good topspin.


Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 14 years ago

Hi Nasko,

Don't judge your topspin by their angle.  They can punch it through with a very open angle even off heavy topspin. You need to take this into account when judging your topspin.  YOu can also judge it by how it feels off your bat and the flight of the ball when you hit it.


Atanas Atanasov

Atanas Atanasov Posted 14 years ago

Wow!! How could they punch it? Don't explain it again to me. I understood. I just didn't think they could do that off a heavy topspin ball. Thanks!


Become a free member to post a comment about this question.