Looping no spin vs underspin ball

I'm having trouble deciding whether a ball is no spin or heavy under. A lot of times I think it's no spin and I loop it off the table. What stoke do I use to loop a no spin ball? Thanks.

Also, how do I push no spin vs heavy under spin balls back to my opponent. I want to confuse him and get a pop up I could then smash. Do I contact the ball on my racket differently or push with a different stroke? Thanks

Finally do you have a DVD on tactics and strategy to play different types of opponents? I would love to get one. Thanks

Love your website!!

Hi Wes,

Thanks for your great comments about the website.

As for your question regarding topspin off different spins an updated lesson on this will be uploaded this week on the Lessons page with more detail than is currently available.  There are two lessons one is Topspin against Block in the Bronze Level and the other is Topspin against Backspin in the Gold level.

Basically you need to have the same swing for both but coming through on different planes.  Against heavy backspin you need to have a more vertical swing whereas against a block or no spin push you need to come through on a more horizontal plane. 

The contact for both needs to be a brushing contact.  Against Backspin you need to brush the ball a bit finer whereas against block you can brush the ball a bit thicker.  Try to resist swinging down after you contact the ball to try and get the abll to dip onto the table.  If you generate enough topspin on the ball the ball will dip down naturally.

When it comes to pushing no spin and backspin you need to just change the angle of your bat slightly.  Come through on the same plane but for a heavier spun ball turn your bat back a little more so the face is facing towards the roof.  Against a no spin push the angle of your bat can be a little flatter or facing towards the net.  Have a look at the Video on Pushing, this will help a little more.

Thanks for your interest in a video on tactics.  A video and lesson on tactics and strategies will be one of the Videos coming out for the Gold Level.  Stay tuned.

If you would like to purchase a copy of the lessons you can do that in the Ping Skills Online store.

All the best and good luck with your table tennis.  Let us know if there is anything else we can help you with.