Using advanced backhand topspin
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 9 years ago
Mudit Kapoor Asked 9 years ago
Hi Alois,
I am a left handed player and I have been practicing advanced backhand topspin using my wrist and forearm. However, I find it very difficult to do it in a match situation specially when the serve is directed straight to me on my body from a right handed player. I tend to use more of a longer stroke which is weird and doesn't have much control. I also figured out that I might have my arms stiff and I don't feel that I have enough time to play a wristy stroke.
I tried stand a little back further from the table, but this results in other issues. When my opponent spots this then they start serving very short and wide on my forehand which again I am able to just fetch without much action. So they then get a easy ball to my backhand.
Any suggestions how can I start using the advanced backhand topspin in matches. I want to hit the ball on the bounce so that I get maximum advantage of this stroke.
Thank you for your valuable time.
Regards,
Mudit
Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago
Hi Mudit,
You need to think about keeping a relaxed arm and wrist especially during the stroke. In training, practice a lot of service returns utilising the stroke.
All the things you have talked about, such as standing back, can work. Perhaps you are standing back too far.
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Mudit Kapoor Posted 9 years ago
Hi Alois,
Ya, I agree with what you are suggesting. I need more practice with the stroke. Also to add from my experience, I feel that arm speed along with balanced posture is the key here. If arm speed is slow then results are not good. I wanted your help to understand that what should I do if a righty serves me a serve which is short and is very wide on my forehand going just off the edge.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago
Move in close to the table. You can move in with your left foot for this one. Then make a short push back to them. If you go short to their forehand it will make them move in.
Ilia Minkin Posted 9 years ago
There is also a very good demonstration by a hongkongese coach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi0Nw84MuVo
However, my problem is that I can lift a backspin ball with my backhand only if I create a really dramatic wrist action. If I relax it just a little bit, the ball straight into the net, so my stroke is very inconsistent. So I wonder whether I should lift the ball more with my legs, or, maybe change my rubber (it is not new, but still has some grip).
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago
Open the angle of your racket more for a safer stroke. Having your racket all the way over does become a riskier stroke so if you are inconsistent with it, open the bat.