Return from close to the table

Hi Alois/Jeff,

My question is how do I return a ball if somehow I end up close to the table and the opponent pushes the ball quite close to me at backhand or forehand?

Regards,

Aditya Sawant

Hi Aditya,

The fist option is to jump backwards quickly to give yourself some space.

If you don't feel you have time for this then shorten your swing, and brush up on the ball quickly.  The deep ball will feel like it has a lot of backspin on it so the stroke needs to be more vertical.  This previous response may help. Topspin Against Various Spins and Lengths