Mixing up topspin against block with topspin against push

Ilia Minkin Asked 10 years ago

Hi Alois,

My problem is that my techniques of forehand attacking a topspin and backspin ball interfere with each other. Previously, I practised a lot against backspin, concentrating on larger swing. But then my topspin swing against block became too large, so I started concentrated on bending elbow more and shortening the swing. What I found now is that my swing against backpsin became much shorter leading to more into-the-net balls on open up strokes. I try to play a lot 3rd and 5th ball drills concentrating on switching between those two strokes and regulating the swing, but can I do anything in addition to that?

Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

Hi Ilia,

Doing the 5th ball drills is perfect to adjust to the slight variations between the two.  Keep doing a lot of this training and you will start to get a better feel of the slight changes that are required.  I find a lot of players play the 5th ball off the end of the table.  Really think about coming over the 5th ball and still keep the topspin to get it to dip onto the table.