Medium high Forehand ball

Hi Coach,

I have a bad habit that seems difficult to overcome: When I get back a ball on my forehand side and it is rather high, let's say 2-3 times net height, and the highest point of the trajectory after the bounce is still well over the table, I tend to move my bat forward in a straight line and don't go over the ball but the bat is pretty upright. The ball then goes way behind the table.

What is the correct way to optimize this - should I wait longer before contact so the ball is already lower, more to my right (and not so much in front of me) so I can easier get over the ball and have a more circular motion of my lower arm and bat?

Hi Otfried,

If you can get close to the table then take it early.  Still put a little topspin on the ball as it may be an awkward ball to smash flat.

You can wait a little longer till it is more next to you if the ball is going to come long enough.