Short Sharp Backspin vs long deep Backspin

Rama Camatchee Asked 12 years ago

Hi Coach,

During a rally, when the opponent gives me a low and very strong backspin with the second bounce finishing at table edge or just over the edge  to be more prudent I return the ball with a good backspin chop (lets ignore a push without backspin). 

However, my backspin is a stroke starting from my body and extending my forearm as much as possible towards the net. (Let's say 20-30 cm drag). I will class it as a medium speed backspin.

However, I notice that some advanced  players will apply very sharp, swift and aggressive backspin.  Their arm will not extend that much (fast drag 10 cm and back quickly) . It's hard to explain.

Can you advise the way you would return backspin with backspin.

Regards

Rama

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Rama,

The faster stroke will get more backspin on the ball but it will also give you less control of the stroke.

At first stay with the longer stroke till you feel more control and then you can try the shorter sharper stroke.