Forehand Topspin
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 11 years ago
Pedja Maric Asked 11 years ago
Hi, guys
I have watched yours' and other videos of Forehand Topspin. Everybody has it's own style, as do you. I have several questions about that particular shot.
1. Where is the contact point in the ball when doing Forehand Topspin Against Block, and where is it when doing Forehand Topspin Against Backspin?
2. Where is the contact point on the paddle when doing those shots?
3. Do you use your wrist much, is your wrist firm, or flexible during the shot, like a whip?
4. Do I need to close my paddle when doing follow trough after topspin?
Thank you in advance
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Pedja,
You are right there are a few variations of techniques. The technique we show is a safe technique and one that is easy for players to learn and implement.
For the forehand topspin against block you can hit the ball close to the top of the bounce. Against backspin you can hit it a little later if you want, especially if you want to play a slower topspin.
The contact point on the paddle is between the middle and the top edge of the racket. This will give the ball a little more time on the rubber.
The wrist is a little flexible. Keep it relaxed. If you slo mo the shot you will see that the wrist just flicks through a little at the start of the stroke.
To start with the racket can stay on one plane all the way through. This will lead to less errors of contact. So you don't need to close the paddle during the shot.
Hope this answers your questions.
Thoughts on this question
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Pedja Maric Posted 11 years ago
Yes, it helps a lot. One more thing. Where is the contact point on the ball? I mean, is it on the top of the ball, or a little bit lower, on the frontal side?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Against a flat ball it can be more on the top of the ball. Against backspin it can be more behind the ball. This si reflected in the plane of your stroke.
Jonathan Huynh Posted 11 years ago
when the blocker blocks the ball, does the ball has more speed or spin? i'm asking this because i want to recreate the feeling of a real practise partner with a robot
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Jonathan,
What are your thoughts on this? When you play against someone and they block the ball back to you, what spin do you see on the ball and how fast does it come back?
For a normal block, I'd say it comes back a little slower than you hit it and with a lot less spin. When you play a forehand topspin, you generally put a lot of spin on the ball, when they block it, it comes back with just a little bit of topspin. However each shot is different, and they can can play more of a topspin stroke and then it will come back with more topspin.
The key is to watch the ball closely and try to see what the ball is doing.