Below the Table Level
Strokes and Technique
Aasim Showkat Asked 12 years ago
Hi Alois,
I am stuck at a thing, whenever ball goes below the table level, I can't hit it effectively. When I hit the ball, it always goes up and opponent makes killer smash. Can you please tell me how to return it effectlivey..
Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago
Hi Aasim,
When the ball drops low you need to brush the ball up with topspin. You don't have to hit the ball hard but think about placing the ball well and getting a lot of spin on the ball. If you can keep the ball low over the net as well you will make it difficult for your opponent to make a strong return.
Thoughts on this question
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Aasim Showkat Posted 12 years ago
Thanks very much. Iwill try but it sounds difficult..
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago
It isn't if you practice it a bit. Just think about getting a good slow topspin action on the ball.
Aasim Showkat Posted 12 years ago
ok...you said right, i have to practise it...So i will do it
michmarv mich Posted 12 years ago
CAN I DO A SIDESPIN BELOW TABLE LEVEL?
ITS LIKE GOOD TO ME..
Aasim Showkat Posted 12 years ago
Hahahahahahah
Its no Aseeem, but Aa'sim (mobile sim)
Anyway Lots of Thanks for the video
Douglas Hill Posted 12 years ago
Often when I'm facing a ball below the table it is because I was caught far back from the table, most often in doubles. Rushing in to get the ball, I don't have time to get into the normal position to brush the ball. I find that if I let the ball go low, near the floor, then I can reach down in front of me and yank my paddle up to achieve a brushing action. By the time the ball is near the floor it is falling at a steeper angle, so it is easier to impart strong topspin. Usually the result is a slow ball with heavy spin. I have to be ready for the ball to be slammed back at me, but surprisingly often my opponents misjudge the timing on this slow ball. (I'm not a high level player.)
Since the opponent usually can't see the hit, it's also possible to add deceptive sidespin.
Is this a tactic better players use, or do superior footwork and anticipation make it unnecessary?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago
Hi Douglas,
It is something that better players use but it is usually a last resort. They can sometimes stay in the rally by using this shot. The key for them is to keep the ball low over the net so that it makes it a little harder for their opponent to make a strong shot. They would be aiming to give them a shot that will result in a shot that is returnable and hopefully stay in the rally. Especially now that you will be in close to the table it needs to be good at that level.
I think Maze is good at this ball.
Jonathan Huynh Posted 12 years ago
Can you chop it very low and with back and side spin short on the opponents side too?
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago
Hi Jonathan,
It is an option. Depending on where the ball is it might be hard to keep it low. As it is below the table, you'd need to hit the ball upwards.
Rohan Rurik Posted 12 years ago
Isn't that a forehand loop? If not, what is the difference?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago
It is a loop, but just getting into a good position and timing it correctly and trying to avoid the end of the table. Need to be really soft with the stroke to lift it enough.
Rohan Rurik Posted 12 years ago
It the motion for a good fast loop soft?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago
The contact is soft. The motion is quite fast and then needs to stop quickly so you can recover for the next ball.
elvin tee Posted 11 years ago
Good video. How about using backhand?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
The same principles apply for the backhand.