Blocking a fast and low side spin flick

Jack Tan Asked 5 years ago

There's this player in my club who adds side spin to everything (it's a habit of his). Usually, I have no problem dealing with it, however his backhand flick has an obnoxious amount of side spin. His slow and high flicks can be easily countered by adding a bit of topspin or taking the ball as early as possible, but I can't find a solution for his fast and low flicks. What should I do? 

Alois Rosario Answered 5 years ago

Hi Jack,

That can be an awkward ball to return.

If you can, try to topspin the ball.  The fast flick will go long.  However if you don't have time to get into position to make the topspin you can push or block the ball back but you need to develop the touch to adjust to the sidespin and whatever topspin or backspin that may be on the ball.  You need to adjust the angle of your bat to get the ball back on the table, similar to adjusting to return a serve.

Not easy... but possible with a few attempts.