irregularity and getting back my game

Hi Alois,

I am a working professional and love playing TT.

my schedule however does not allow me to play the game regularly.

whenever i hit the table after a break of say 3-4 days' break i specifically face the following problems...

1) i end up playing topspins and cant play smash, i try to topspin everything, dont know why, so how can i get my smash back

2) i have developed my pendulum serve after a lot of hard work, but i seem to be forgetting my grip and keep searching for the grip that lets me serve with spin and zip, i especially discover this when i find pendulum top spin serve difficult to do. I feel either i am holding the bat too close while changing the grip for pedulum serve or hold it too far down the handle.

Getting your rhythm and consistency back can take a while after a long break and it is understandable, but why am i facing the problems listed above?

This may sound a bit silly but it would be great if you can help.

Thanks, you guys are doing a great job.

Regards,

Manish 

Hi Manish,

The topspin is a safer option when you are playing.  Most of the top players will play 90+% topspin and only smash when the ball is really high.

To play the smash you need to lift your arm up a bit higher.  If there is tension in your shoulder it will make it difficult to make this stroke.  Try relaxing your shoulder and arm, this may help to get your smash back.

For the pendulum grip, try again to relax and feel the bat in your hand.  It is one of those things that the more you think about it the stranger it feels.

I guess the key for both of your scenarios is relaxation and just letting things happen a little.