Backhand Too High

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 8 years ago

Josef hmar

Josef hmar Asked 8 years ago

Hi jeff and alois,whenever i do a backhand drive or loop i am never quite satisfied with the trajecrory of the ball, it always seems to have too much topspin on it with less speed and the ball seem to move like the upper part of a circle..so can you give me some advice on how to make a perfect backhand loop or drive..?

Ps:i also think that i'm using too much wrist movement


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Hi Josef,

To get the ball lower, get the stroke more forward.  Change the finishing position of the stroke to be more forward than up and see if that helps.  Always remember the finish position, it tends to be the key to the stroke.


Notify me of updates
Add to Favourites
Back to Questions

Thoughts on this question

Linh Vu

Linh Vu Posted 8 years ago

too much topspin less speed trajectory high. To me, it is like you brush the ball with fine contact a lot in an upward direction. this kind of balls can give your opponents a lot of trouble. The ball will bounce off really high. If your opponents are far away from table, he will be in an awkward position. He will likely lose the point or return with a very high ball. If your opponent is close to the table, your opponents can block or punch it relatively easy. high spiny slow can be useful sometimes. Yes, wrist movement contributes to the high spiny slow ball. use high spiny slow balls when needed. don't count it out.

If you don't want this type of balls (you want lower trajectory, higher speed, maybe less spin), please

- have more forward stroke (like Alois said)

- have firmer contact with the ball

- close racket more

if you do all these three, the ball may go to the net!!! make small adjustment only.

a lot of wrist movement is always good. in addition, please use your elbow, upper arm, shoulder, your tummy, knees.

In particular, I use my knees a lot to the point my knees hurt. I use my knees to transfer weight, rotate my body, and push up my body.

I can do all of that only on the backhand stroke. I don't know how to do all of these on the forehand stroke. my forehand stroke is poor 



Become a free member to post a comment about this question.