Topspinning fast pushes
Strokes and Technique
Ji-Soo Woo Asked 11 years ago
Hi Alois
Long time no ask.
At some stage, without even realising it, I passed an important milestone.
I can now attack pushes pretty consistently...whereas in the past, especially for important matches, I often got stuck in a push-push rally all too familiar for low level club players. I still push a fair bit, but more from choice (since I am now practicing to be a modern defender). However, I still have trouble against players who give me low, fast, skimming-the-net pushes. I'm not sure whether I should be doing the traditional start low finish high loop as you normally do against backspin, or whether, because the ball is coming at me with more energy, I should attack it more directly.
Thanks!
Ji-Soo
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Ji-Soo,
It has been a while. You are right sometimes we go past levels that we have been stressing about and not even notice it.
Regarding the faster push I think it is better to start with the more vertical topspin. The extra energy on the ball with backspin actually makes the ball feel heavier. As it is coming out of your rubber faster you will need more of a vertical stroke to get it over the net. If you go forward you will find it harder to lift.
Give it a try and let me know.
Thoughts on this question
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Mudit Kapoor Posted 11 years ago
Hi There,
I also do have this problem and I am also working on it find the right solution. A few key pointers on this:
1. First the movement has to be there. It is very rare that you will get the ball 'in the slot' so first move. I tried attempting this with my friend who can push low and fast pretty consistently. I tried just to move and touch the ball. Since movement is a big issue for me.
2. As this is fast, deep and low so you have few things to observe. First, the ball will be bouncing close to the end line (obviously!), second, if you are not too far, it should be possible to catch the ball at the top of the bounce or before it as well based on the first bounce.
I am trying to play with a open face racket meeting the ball at the top of the bounce and playing more forward as I am trying to use and redirect the speed of the incoming ball.
Yes the results are not 100% but I have noticed that this approach is timing based and if your timing becomes correct through practice then you can make this shot with very less effort.