Defensive stroke

Peter Habich Asked 13 years ago

Hi Alois,

As you propably know,there are currently the team world championships here in Germany in Dortmund.  I have been watching it intensely on tv the last few days,especially the german team women and men.The female player Ivanca is a very defensive chopping player mostly with her backhand.But I noticed if the ball came to her forehand,she did not chop it. She kind of lifted it slowly.But I don't know what kind of stroke that was.Is it a lob,does it have topspin or backspin? I noticed that she always used that stroke on her forehand side and it did not look like a chop with backspin.

Maybe you can help me.

thanks

Peter

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Peter,

Ivancan mostly on her forehand is making a variation of topspins.  She either rolls the ball without much spin or she will play a full topspin as well when she is in good position.

She uses her forehand very cleverly.  She realises that playing fast topspin all the time will not be effective against strong attackers and that a slower ball is often more effective.  YOu will notice that she doesn't give the attacker any pace or sometimes any spin to work with.  She also varies the position and height of the ball well.