Returning sidespin only loops

Ecto R Asked 3 years ago

I’m a blocker.

I can do just about everything to some extent in table tennis but really my strength is control, push, block. Take the ball early stuff. A defensive mindset but not a defender - more a disrupter.

Sidespin only loops are troubling me. Obviously blocking something with no topspin isn’t a great strategy unless you impart some topspin yourself.

I’m okay with it on the forehand. I just ride the spin and place the ball / smash if it sits up high.

My backhand struggles with it. I’m inclined to dump in the net or wear on the fingers / edge of the bat by angling the face too much.

I’ve started to do a sweep-with-the-spin push. What do you think of that as a strategy? As I’m being confronted with only side spin the pace and spin isn’t enormous but the trajectory is much trickier than say receiving a sidespin serve.

Going with the spin for me seems natural like a batsman hitting with the spin against a spinner in cricket.

I haven’t seen sweep-with-the-spin push in any coaching manual - is it stupid?  :)

Ecto

Alois Rosario Answered 3 years ago

Hi,

I think this tutorial will deal with your query to some extent. Dealing With Sidespin During a Rally.

However for the extreme sidespin with no topspin and even some backspin perhaps it is a matter of adapting and having a good understanding of what the ball is doing.  I like the ideas that you have, they certainly aren't stupid and they seem to be working for you.

On the backhand also think about topspinning the ball heavily with a really quick motion to counteract the heavy sidespin on the ball, similar to what you are doing on the forehand side.