How to do a traditional backhand topspin

Table TennisGuy Asked 10 years ago

Dear PingSkills,

Can you give me tips on the traditional pen-hold backhand topspin? I would use the reverse pen-hold backhand, but it is long pimpled; it would have little topspin, and would bounce on my side. I tried gripping the handle a little further from the face, curling my three fingers, and twisting the paddle so the forehand side is facing down, but to no avail. Twisting the paddle would take too much time while my opponent could return it back with a topspin. This is a big problem for me because I am left-handed. Thanks!

Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

Hi,

Start with your racket outside your left hip so that you can get a wider swing on the ball.  Then move your bat in a down to up motion as you come forward.  Apply the same principles as with the shakehand backhand topspin we show you in the lesson on the Backhand Topspin Against Block, of keeping your bat in an even plane as you come through.

Give it a try and let me know how you go.