Playing forehand topspin cross court
Footwork
Narendra B Asked 12 years ago
Hi Alois and Jeff,
I am having trouble hitting forehand topspin from my back hand cross court. While returning shots with my backhand, sometimes I tend to turn and hit them using forehand to opponents backhand. But ball always goes down the line or falls in the middle of the table which is very easy to block. Is there any change in technique while playing cross court shots like bat angle or feet movement?
Thanks,
Narendra
Jeff Plumb Answered 12 years ago
Hi Narendra,
This is a common problem. When you pivot around to your backhand side you need to move around the corner rather than straight across. By moving around you should position yourself a lot more side on. The more side on you get the easier it is to hit the ball back across court to your opponent's backhand. You still use the same shuffle step footwork, just move around the corner of the table and end up more side on.
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Narendra B Posted 12 years ago
Thanks Jeff. Seems that my footwork needs to be very quick to play this shot because if I am more side on and if opponent blocks to my forehand then it is very difficult to catch it.
Yes when you step around to play a forehand, you do need to either play a very aggressive shot to win the point or have good footwork so you can cover the ball if your opponent blocks it down the line.
One drill you can practice to improve your footwork in this area is the Falkenberg drill. To do this exercise your opponent plays two balls to your backhand and one ball to your forehand. You play the first ball with your backhand, then pivot and play the second ball with your forehand and then play the final ball with your forehand as well. This is a great exercise and will certainly help you in this area. Give it a try and let me know how you go.
Narendra B Posted 12 years ago
Sounds great. Thanks a lot Jeff :). I will include this drill in my training session.