Returning low and high spin shots

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 11 years ago

Rahul Maharaj

Rahul Maharaj Asked 11 years ago

Hello PingSkills team,

I played a match before, and I'm not bad at smashing, but this guy used to always spin shots and those were hard to get over the net. I'm particularly weak at forehand, backhand is my dominant hand and my trouble spin is the backspin, sidespin I can manage but backspin always seems to get me. If you have any suggestions, that will be greatly appreciated.

Also, how do you know when a shot can be smashed? because in that game, I was very tense, and because of this, I didn't hit shots hard because I was afraid that the shots were going to hit the net because they were spinning, and also if I smashed them, I was also afraid that they would go off the board whereas the other guy hit a lot of shots very hard, and that caused me to lose. And if possible, how do you smash-return spinning shots, particularly, the backspin? If you can provide some tips on returning spin, smashing spin and smashing normal shots and how to spin nicely against your opponent, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks PingSkills team, I look forward to your response.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Rahul,

I think the first shot  for you to improve is the Forehand Topspin Off Backspin.  This will help you to be able to deal with the backspin balls on your forehand side.  This is a really important stroke in the game and one you should take some time to improve.

TO decide when a ball can be smashed you will improve with a bit of experience.  Firstly look at the height of the ball.  Usually around shoulder or head height or higher is the key there.  Secondly look to see if they have a lot of backspin or sidespin.  If they do it is best to play a topspin stroke rather than a smash because you will get better margin for error. If you try to smash a backspin ball you are likely to hit it into the net.  Use your topspin stroke when in doubt. Only smash if the ball is comfortable for you and without too much backspin or sidespin.

 


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