Forehand flick against extreme topspin
Strokes
Romeo Chua Asked 9 years ago
Hi! Whenever I play with my practice partner, I always lose. I can't even return his serve properly because of its heavy topspin. I try to flick it, it flies off the table. I try to push it, it ALSO flies off the table. I can't flick it with a flat contact because the ball is low. How do I deal with this kind of ball?
Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago
Hi Romeo,
If the ball has topspin it will at some stage be above the level of the net after it bounces on your side. This is the point that you need to hit it. If you hit it too late or early it can be more difficult to flick it faster onto the table.
The topspin should actually help you to flick the serve.
Recommended Video
Forehand Topspin Variations
A great weapon is being able to vary the amount of speed and spin on your forehand topspin stroke. By making your stroke more vertical and brushing the ball finely, you can generate more spin. For more speed you need to swing more horizontally.
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Johan B Posted 9 years ago
Maybe it's got a nasty dipping trajectory after the bounce?
If you can't get the timing right to flick it flat at the right moment, you can try to block it, or add some topspin (gets your ball to dip) or sidespin to your flick (avoids the spin)
Romeo Chua Posted 9 years ago
Those are very good suggestions. Yes the ball does dip a lot. :) Thanks!