Playing against Topspin

One of my opponents plays the ball with heavy topspin and occasionally with some sidespin as well and I am not sure how to counter this. 

I have heard I should use backspin, but so far this hasn't worked out too well because I am not sure how to plan the point and I find it hard to hit backspin against a heavily topspining ball.

 What should I do? Thanks.

Hi,

The first thing to think about is stopping them from playing the topspin stroke.  This can be done by keeping the ball close to the net and low, or putting enough backspin on the ball to make it difficult for them to play the topspin.

Next, if they do topspin, you can think about playing a block to the ball.  To play the block you need a short stroke and hit through the ball.  You don't need to generate your own pace on this stroke but just use the angle of the bat to block the ball back. 

PingSkills has filmed a Lesson on blocking.  It is in the production stage and should be online in a week or so.  Watch out for it.  This stroke will help you to counteract the topspin stroke. 

Chopping the ball back is also an option if you are a defensive player.  The Forehand and Backhand Chop Lessons are on the PingSkills Channel on Youtube and will be on our website soon.  This is a more difficult stroke to play so you may be better off working on the block strokes.