Push and backhand topspin combination

nagy Zoltan Asked 14 years ago

Hi coaches,
I have the following "3rd ball" problem when playing a match.
As receiving a short serve on my backhand, I usually chop it quite hard, so it will have a really hard backspin.
(Thanks god, I have a really good chop on my backhand)
Usually, my opponents in this case just push the ball back so I have a long ball on my backhand, ready for attack.
But when I try to make a backhand topspin against this ball, 90% of the cases the ball goes in the net.
It is strange because normally when practicing backhand topspin with my partner I do have much more accuracy. 
Should I use a different technique for the backhand topspin for this balls ?
Thanks in advance.

BR.

Zoltán

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Zoltán,

If you are able to play this ball in training then it is not a technique issue as such.

It sounds like in a match you are tightening up a little which is effecting the backhand topspin stroke.  It may also be that when you are playing the hard chop you are tightening up.  

When you are making the hard push you are probably using a lot of muscles that are not required.  While it may be a good stroke it is probably leading to you tensing your muscles. See fi you can relax the grip on this stroke as well, it may lead to you  having a better topspin on the next ball.

Think about how it feels when you are playing the strokes in training and the difference when you are doing it during a game.  Then see if you can replicate the training stroke in a match.