Flicking Problems

Really enjoy your weekly tips regarding pingskills.

Hi Alois!

Do I understand it properly that if the incoming ball with a lot of backspin is going to bounce rather low (not higher the rand of the net), then make the flip or flick is not the best way to stroke such ball?

Thank you!

Yes that is right Igor.  It is harder to flick if there is a lot of backspin.  You are better off using the push.

Thank you very much for your answer!

I use the push stroke most of the time, it works though I guess I need to learn to have more variation expecially when there is criticism that I push too often.  I tend to hold back trying various strokes such as the flick! I  can smash with my backhand occasionally which appears to be instinctive.  I do have a difficult time  trying to master the chop ,  is the chop a more advanced stroke which takes more time to learn!!  I watch your videos,  still have a difficult time getting the correct angle of the bat.  thank's.

Hi Kathy!

If you want to try more variations, watch please this lesson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lkrPcLsrt8 from the 16th minute of the video. Here Chinese children are training the receive of a backspinned ball. Unfortunately, all the comments are in Chinese, but the actions are quite understandable. They push the ball right forward with a little bit opened bat, without countering its backspin. I use to practice this receive from time to time, and you know what? It works! And sometimes my opponent don't know exactly how to play after such my stroke.

Good luck!

Hmm, that looks a lot like my forehand side swipe return :D People hate it so much.

That's it, Johan! I mean the reaction of your opponents. :)

Making people block into the net because the ball has almost pure sidespin or even some backspin ... Fun.

Thank you all for your interesting comments!!