Returning a slam

Ammar Asmaro Asked 13 years ago

Hey coach

what's the best technique to use so i can return slams

and since the ball would be too fast i usually look at his hand moving to know where the ball is going, is this right? or should i watch the ball?

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Ammar,

Depending on where you are and how much time you have, the first option would be to block the ball the second option would be to move back and either counter topspin or lob the ball.

Take a look at our lesson on the Lob. The keys to a lob are getting the ball back deep on the table and putting as much topspin as you can on the ball to force the smasher away from the table.

← Push a top spin return Blocking →

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Countering a Chop Block

The key is to countering a chop block is to ensure you wait for the ball as it comes through much slower compared to a normal block. You also need to lift the ball more than you would against a regular block.

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Ammar Asmaro Posted 13 years ago

ummmm thanks coach but how do i know how the ball is going?? cuz if he's really fast and strikes the ball with lots of power i usually end up on the wrong side of the table

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 13 years ago
With some more experience you will stat to get the feel for where you should move to on the table. As soon as you see the ball going up high your natural reaction will be to move back and into position. As to where across the table you should be take a look at this lesson we made. Although it is titled Ready Position it also covers this aspect. It will help you with your positioning.