Arm or elbow on Backhand topspin

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 4 years ago

Ardak .

Ardak . Asked 4 years ago

Hi coaches!

Recently I made home-made return board. My forehand strokes are normal. Now I am training my backhand topspin against returnboard. I watched your backhand topspin videos many times. Trying to do the same stroke. When I use my arm more during backhand topspin, my strokes are more stable, the control is good. But I feel pain in my arm. So I feel that my stroke is not correct. When I use more elbow, i.e. when I take power from elbow, strokes are fast and more like smash, but they are not controlled. Arc is more straight. What are your suggestions?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 4 years ago

Hi Ardak,

I think one of the keys with all of this is to relax your arm all the way through the stroke.  This will allow the stroke to work efficiently.

Even think both relaxing the fingers though the stroke.  This will make a difference too how the elbow and whole arm feels.


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Thoughts on this question

Ardak .

Ardak . Posted 4 years ago

Thank you, coach! 


Gerard Tran

Gerard Tran Posted 4 years ago

Powerful backhand topspins like the one Pingskills does should be used for the final killer shot or for mid-long range looping. In terms of close-to-the-table play, your strokes should be shortened to pressure the opponent more.


Ardak .

Ardak . Posted 4 years ago

Thank you Gerard Tran.


Ardak .

Ardak . Posted 4 years ago

Relaxing the fingers made big difference. I don't know if my backhand topspin is right or wrong, but now I don't feel pain in my arm. Thank you coach! 


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 4 years ago

Brilliant.  Well done on making the change.



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