Where must I finish my forehand topspin
Strokes and Technique
Diego de Blas Asked 11 years ago
I think that technique is sometimes adapted by each player in his own way. Factors that have an influence on this may be the height of the player, the equipment or even the generation of player that we talk about.
There are some professional players that end the forehand topspin in different places:
- Timo Boll and Michael Maze cross the arm and finish the stroke near of their right shoulders.
- Vladimir Samsonov and JO Waldner finish it with the racket closed to the right side of their heads.
Is there a real "Good model of termination for the forehand topspin" or must we adapt ourselves to what we prefer?
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Diego,
This is an interesting one.
I advocate finishing on the right hand side of your head as we show you in the lessons on the Forehand Counterhit and Forehand Topspin Against Block. The strokes that Boll and Maze play work for them obviously but they are a riskier stroke. For players that are not playing every day and the amount they are playing this can be fraught with danger as you are showing less of the face of the racket to the ball.
Thoughts on this question
Become a free member to post a comment about this question.
Robi Diddi Posted 11 years ago
You (Alois and Jeff) say in your videos, to finish at eye-level. I don´t know, how tall Jeff is, but I guess he´s 20cm smaller then me. Now my question: is it better to become my body lower or to search for other positions starting and stopping the forehand topspin against block? The reason for my question is, as more I try to optimize my technic, the more topspin go over the table.
Greetings from germany, Robert
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Robert,
Even if you are tall you an still use the same technique. If you see players like Samsonov or Persson or Wang Liqin, they all use the same technique. It is good to get your legs down low. That applies to all players as well.
If the ball is going out, try adjusting the angle of your racket a little. Just turn your bat forward slightly and see if it make a difference.
Robi Diddi Posted 11 years ago
Ok, thank you, I will directly try that on monday!
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Good, let me know how it goes.
Ty Lewis Posted 11 years ago
I find my shots going off the table when I get to much arm/shoulder in the shot and not enough wrist/forearm. I have just purchased a new bat and if my technique is not proper my shots tend to be long. I am now having to relearn and get rid of my bad habits.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Ty,
Keeping your arm more relaxed will allow you to use your forearm easier. I find a lit of tension comes into the shoulder area and this forces the whole arm to tighten and influence the stroke. This goes all the way down to the wrist and fingers.
Arnab Ghosh Posted 11 years ago
Hi Alois,
I agree with you on the answer. I think, correct me if I am wrong, Timo Boll and Maze both have their forehand face opened all the way as they follow through the shot. So if the video is critically paused at the very end of the shot we can see mostly whole of the forehand rubber of their paddle. This is the key I think as to why that stance works for them. Also, in the professional level, they have to hit the ball with great force to make their attack effective, so automatically their momentum and force carries the hand over. Again, this in only a guess.
Robi Diddi Posted 11 years ago
I was surprised, how easy I could play the topspin, concentrating on 90-90 degree and finish position. When the ball went out of the table or into the net, I knew, one of these points were missing.
Thank you, Robert
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Great to hear. Yes it is a simple method isn't it.