Help with forehand/backhand push

Ashwath Sampath Asked 10 years ago

Hi,

I'm finding it really difficult to decide on the angle to keep the bat while attempting a push (both forehand and backhand). I find that it either hits the net or goes so high that my opponent has an easy put away. Though I get it right at times, I can't seem to hit more than 2 perfect pushes.

Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

Hi Ashwath,

This can be a frustrating part of the game because it looks so simple. It is actually difficult to control this consistently because of the subtle variations of spin that your opponent can put on the ball.

To start with. try to brush under the ball more and have a finer contact. This will help to get it more consistent because the spin that your eluting will tend to nullify the sublet variations. However, there is no substitute for experience with this because it is such fine skill.

As long as you have the basics right of the stoke, keep playing it and watching for what happens with each push, even the ones that miss.

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Ashwath Sampath Posted 10 years ago

Thanks for the answer Alois! Looks like I have to keep practising the shot. Another thing I've always wondrered about is: should I play the push on the half volley, i.e. at the lowest point, or a little later after the bounce? Does taking it early nullify the opponent's backspin a bit?

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago
If you take it early it won’t nullify the spin but it will help you to get the ball back shorter on their side and also give them less time. Taking it later will mean the spin wears off slightly and make it easier to control the ball back on the table but it also makes it easier for them to see and return.