Usage of Flat Hits

I have poor reaction speed and often find myself in a position where I'm preparing for a topspin against backspin, but the ball is too close to my body. In order to compensate for this, I have been using a flat hit stroke. I would tilt my bat more vertically in order to compensate for the backspin because I do not have time to accelerate my arm for a topspin stroke. Is this practical in terms of usage?

Hi Jack,

Tilting your bat is a way of compensating for the backspin however it isn't completely effective and reliable.  Since you don't have topspin on the ball the ball will not dip onto the table.

Therefore it is preferable to use a topspin stroke.  If you re running out of time, shorten the stroke and play a small topspin stroke.