Fifth ball attack

Dear Coach,

My short backspin serve works well with my third ball topspin and good players will return with a fast block. 

My fifth ball forehand attack is where I miserably fail as the ball goes out despite that I am in a good position slightly away from table  (say 60cm to 80 cm away) . 

I will still hit the ball in front of me with a more forward motion but brushing it too much.

However , one of your video I saw your fifth ball appears to be more of a flat slap. Does this mean that the fifth ball it is more of a counter hit with less topspin brush and more forward. 

Also can we say that the topspin is used mainly as a set-up and then rally with counter hit and sometimes using a slight brush if the ball is low or slow to get it over the net.

Regards

Rama

Hi Rama,

The most important stroke is definitely the topspin.  Even in the rally you need to make sure you are putting topspin on the ball.  The fifth ball is no exception to this.  It is a balance of brushing and faster contact to generate more speed.

For our Premium members we do have a lesson on the Forehand Followup which will help you.