High backspin close to net

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 11 years ago

Vishal Oza

Vishal Oza Asked 11 years ago

Hello Coach, 

I am a left handed player. I face problem when the opponent chops the ball close to the net with height. I have tried pivoting and smashing the ball but I want to know how I can return the ball with my backhand. When I try to do backhand topspin ball goes out of the table. Please help me with this.

Thanks,

Vishal Oza


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Vishal,

This can be an awkward ball.  The first thing is to see it as that.  Often we see that ball really high and think it is going to be easy.  You need to allow for the backspin.  Play a backhand topspin but finish a little higher and topspin the ball rather than hitting it flat.  Take the stroke slowly at first and then when you get the feel of the ball you can start to hit it faster.  See if you can get the ball set up like that in training so that you can practice it.


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Vishal Oza

Vishal Oza Posted 11 years ago

Thank you Alois for the reply. I will try to topspin the ball and finish little higher. 


Vishal Oza

Vishal Oza Posted 11 years ago

Thanks a lot Pingskills for creating video response for this.


Vishal Oza

Vishal Oza Posted 11 years ago

This is very common problem with new players and this video will definitely help them. 


Jeff Plumb

Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

You're welcome Vishal.


Rory Scott

Rory Scott Posted 11 years ago

For high backspin balls close to the net a flat smash works well either with forehand or backhand, depending on the position of the player.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

As long as you allow for the backspin by opening the angle of your bat.


Rory Scott

Rory Scott Posted 11 years ago

Yes.


David Polos

David Polos Posted 11 years ago

Wouldn't it be easier to just flick the ball


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

If the ball is just over net height then the flick would be a good option but in this case when the ball is a lot higher, the flick would be an awkward shot.  For a really high ball you are better off to try and make a more attacking stroke.



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