Timing of hitting a forehand

I am a new player,have been playing for past 6 months in my office canteen. This is my 2nd question to u here on pingskills. I owe most of my initial development to pingskills as i dont have a coach or even good hitting partners. Thanks for that.

Now my question.

 I can hit my forehand topspin either a little away from the table or close to the table. Wen i hit the ball from away i call it FH LOOP.wen i hit it from close,i call it FH drive

while hitting a forehand topspin we can hit the ball in 3 positions

1. when the ball is rising

2. when the ball is at the highest point. I guess hitting at this point generates the maximum speed and spin. and especially if i am countering a topspin ball this is the most ideal position.

3. when the ball is coming down. I feel that  when i play the ball wen its coming down its easier to do FH LOOP but i m unable to do FH drive. But i am unable to do FH LOOP when the ball is at the top of the bounce.

From videos of elite players like wang hao, i feel that they hit the ball on the rise.... I guess i m sounding confused,which i am. Kindly help. Thanx!

Hi Rajesh,

I think it is easier to play the loop ball when the ball is dropping as you have a bit more time and the ball is travelling slower.  In general though aim to hit the ball at the top of the bounce.  You can also try to hit the ball before the top of the bounce to give your opponent less tie to react.

If you can hit the ball earlier it is better than hitting it anywhere else but it will also make it more difficult for you to get consistency.