What to do if backhand strikes don't go straight

Hamid B Asked 12 years ago

Dear coach,

(first thanks for such a wonderful website),

I have been working on my backhand for years. If I look at my backhand strike and foot position, that looks like what I see on different TT video clips, however,

I don't know why my backhands (when played diagonal, for example) tend to deviate to left. They don't guide the ball straight ahead, but somewhat tilted to left. This especially happens if I get a fast ball and I have to drive a backhand on it. Then the ball ends up in the middle of the opponent's side of table, although the opponent's corner was aimed at.

This shouldn't have anything to do with my foot/body position, since I usually stand prenpendicular to the direction I want to guide the ball. Also nothing with spins. The question is on simple (no spin) drives.

Do you have any advice for me?

Thanks, Hamid

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Hamid,

This has to do with the timing of the ball.  When it comes faster you will hit the ball a little later and this will mean that at that point your bat will still be facing down the line so that is where the ball will go.

When the ball is coming faster, just shorten your backswing to get the ball a little earlier and to where you want it to go.