Closing the bat on the backhand side

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 9 years ago

arthur stewart

arthur stewart Asked 9 years ago

dear sirs;

I have a problem closing the bat and hitting on the backhand side on a consistent basis.  if i am able to draw back, close the paddle and make a simple counter hit  it can work.  i mostly seem to nearly always go back to an open bat and keep the ball in play but without any offense.   i also often stop the swing halfway which is really hard on my shoulder.    any suggestions?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

Hi Arthur,

In training now think about turning your bat slightly forward and relax the hand slightly so that your bat reaches the finish position each time.  The tighter you get the less follow through you will have and the less accuracy and fluency of the stroke.  It is a bit of a vicious cycle.

At first really focus on the finish position of the stroke only.  Make sure the bat gets to there, even if the ball is missing the table or going into the net.

Training is the key here.  Try to do this repetitively as often as you can so that it feels more natural and then you can think about utilising it in matches as well.


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Rory Goulding

Rory Goulding Posted 9 years ago

For me the relaxation technique that Alois mentioned is key.

Not sure if this helps or not, but when I think about the motion of the BH topspin stroke, I think about throwing a frisbee.

This 'frisbee' technique does use a lot of wrist motion and may be too 'advanced' for you. It creates a lot of topspin and is a very relaxed stroke.

hope that translates.

Rory.


arthur stewart

arthur stewart Posted 9 years ago

thanks for the suggestion.  i think being too tight is a lot of the problem in not being able to follow through on the backhand counter hit.     thanks so much s  sincerely charlie stewart



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