Short pimple lobs

Strokes

Doug Hopkins
Doug Hopkins Asked 11 years ago

Hi Alois. I am having a lot of trouble with a player who often uses his short pimple side to hit slow lobs deep in response to my topspin shots. He often plays these below the table but l think he is using a topspin motion. The ball when it lands on the table has no speed and tends to "die".  This makes it hard for me to attack back with topspin or any shot at all. I tend to push back slowly as l am not really sure what the ball is doing. How can l play an attacking shot back? If l try a smash do l close the bat face or is topspin the best alternative?


Alois Rosario
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Doug,

The best thing is to play a topspin.  If the ball is slow, make sure you are coming forward into the ball on contact.  The short pimples won’t generate as much spin so the ball will not come through to you as fast.


Recommended Video

Footwork Basics

Good footwork is the foundation of a strong table tennis game. In this video, we break down the essential steps to move efficiently and stay balanced during rallies.

✅ Key Footwork Tips You'll Learn:

  • ✔️ How to bend your knees and position your feet correctly
  • ✔️ The shuffle step—jumping while keeping your feet the same width apart
  • ✔️ A simple step-by-step drill to improve movement and positioning
  • ✔️ How to progress from single-ball drills to faster multi-ball exercises

By jumping into position and stopping, you ensure a stable base before playing each shot—leading to better accuracy and control.

Watch Now

Thoughts on this question


Doug Hopkins

Doug Hopkins Posted 11 years ago

Thanks Alois. I think your point about coming forward into the ball on contact is the critical factor l have been forgetting.


Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

Good.  Let me know how it progresses.


Become a free member to post a comment about this question.