Beginner playing vs backspin

Naor Gilboa Asked 13 years ago

Hey there,

I'm a beginner with a decent natural topspin forehand. Ive really been working on my forehand before trying to approach new shots as I was told this was best, however when I do end up playing recreational games with friends rather than just hitting I end up starting to win the first 2-3 games and then they start simply chopping all of my balls and I'm having trouble picking the ball up enough to get it over the net.

As a beginner should I be trying to learn to chop back (not a natural at this) or should I just be focusing on how to pick the ball up more so that my shots make it over.

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Naor,

You can move on to the Backhand Push and Forehand Push strokes. This will help you to control the backspin ball. It is an important stroke to develop your game.

You can then also work on the Forehand Topspin Off Backspin. This is a more difficult stroke. I would start with learning the push strokes first.

Recommended Video

Forehand Counterhit

The forehand counterhit or forehand drive is the foundation for more attacking strokes such as the forehand topspin or forehand loop. There are 3 critical factors:

Your feet position
Your start position
Your finish position

If you concentrate on these 3 factors then your stroke will become extremely consistent. Once you can reliably hit 100 balls in a row then you are ready for more attacking strokes. If you can hit 1,000 balls on in a row then you know you've truly mastered the stroke.

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Naor Gilboa Posted 13 years ago

Thanks for the tip, that's what I figured. However when I do try to do push shots, I tend to hit very high and long, which gives the player the ability to come back with a strong shot. Until I can master this, would my best strategy be to do a push shot and immediately move back expecting a smash/strong loop/topspin ball?