Strokes and Technique
Table Tennis Equipment
Last updated 11 years ago
Bill Clarke Asked 11 years ago
Hi Alois
I have always had a problem not being able to attack using my backhand. I tend to be very defensive and all the shots are blocks, pushes or chops. I want to improve using the backhand topspin drive. I was looking at Jeff's video recently, my word he makes it looks so easy! My question is can I successsfully play this shot anyway with the rubber I use on the backhand, Stiga Destroyer long pips with no sponge?
Best wishes
Bill Clarke
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Bill,
It is not possible to make the topspin with the long pimples on the backhand. If you want to make the topspin you would need to change to a normal rubber. The other option is to switch sides before you play the backhand and use your forehand rubber. This is called twiddling. You could give it a try first.
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Bill Clarke Posted 11 years ago
Thanks Alois for the prompt reply
I am so used to using the long pip I don't really want to change that. Twiddling is difficult for me as I have to use a wrist support to play. It's a slow process by the time I have twiddled the ball has already zapped past me! In my younger days I always avoided this difficulty by standing to the left of the table and using the forehand as much as possible. That is clearly a hopeless technique! How do I attack with a long pip then, do I have to use a flat hit or simply push a bit harder?
Bill
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Bill,
You can hit off the backspin balls. The backspin will convert to topspin on the long pips and you will be able to hit it. You still won't generate a lot of topspin but will give them back as much spin as they give you.
Bill Clarke Posted 11 years ago
Thanks for that Alois. We are off season here now and I am counting the days to the first match on the 21st September. I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing some Olympic table tennis on TV, but how much coverage will it get, not a lot I fear!
Best wishes to you and Jeff
Bill Clarke
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
I am not sure how much they will show where you are. I know in Australia it is always a struggle to get coverage.