How to return fast counters

Ardak . Asked 1 month ago

Hi, coach!

Recently I put 50 degrees rubber to FH. It has many advantages, not bouncy in the short game, very spinny, i can do quality pushes and serves. But with this rubber I can't do bigger swing during topspin vs backspin. All my FH topspins become spinny slow. I tried to hit faster, if it is successful, then opponents can't return such fast spinny topspins. But it is very risky, because 50% hit the net. So I always did slow spinny topspins with less swing. One opponent returned them by fast block, then I couldn't return it, the ball always went to the net. I could't do topspin  because the ball comes very fast, I just tried to block. How to return such fast blocks/counter hits? Or what do you suggest in my situation?

when I was playing with 47 degrees rubber on the FH, there was no such problem, I could continue attacking after lifting the backspins. With the current 50 degrees rubber a small change of bat angle during the contact makes big difference. With current 50 deree rubber I can do spinny topspins, many opponents can't block it,  a few opponents return by slower block. But I am in trouble if the opponent can return it with fast block.

With softer rubbers I had no problems blocking fast counterhits. Because of hard rubber my racket became less flexible. But since it has other good advantages, I want to learn play with this rubber despite its low  flexibility. 

Alois Rosario Answered 1 month ago

Hi, thanks for your detailed message. You've described the situation and your equipment change very clearly, and I can see you're already analyzing your game at a thoughtful level.

Switching to a 50-degree hard rubber on your forehand certainly brings benefits — especially for high-level spin and short-game control — but as you're experiencing, it also demands a higher level of precision and physical adjustment, especially in counter-attacks and transitions after the opening loop.

Here are some ideas and suggestions to help with your current challenges:

1. Why Your Second Topspin Is Struggling

After your initial slow, spinny topspin, your opponent is able to counter-block quickly, and you can't respond with another topspin because:

• You have less time to prepare due to the speed of the block.

• Your racket angle needs to be very precise, especially with the harder sponge.

• You lose the initiative and fall into a passive position.

2. Solutions

A. Improve Your Recovery After First Topspin

• Try to finish your first topspin more compact, so you can recover quicker.

• Don’t extend too far or follow through too long — focus on a quick return to ready position.

• Keep your weight slightly forward, not too committed to one stroke.

B. Train the Second Ball – Topspin vs Fast Block

This is the crucial transition:

• Practice with a partner or robot: first a slow topspin vs backspin, then a faster, lower ball coming back.

• For the second topspin: shorten your stroke, use more forearm and wrist, and stay close to the table.

• Keep your racket angle slightly closed and brush forward with a bit of lift, not just up.

• Focus on brushing the ball above the net line rather than hitting through it.

With a hard rubber, smaller errors get punished, so minimizing unnecessary motion is key.

C. Prepare for Blocking as a Backup

If you don't have time to topspin:

• Angle your racket slightly closed and keep your elbow firm for the fast block.

• Try not to absorb the ball; instead, use timing and angle to guide it back.

• You might also consider active blocking — brushing slightly forward to add a little topspin back.

3. Long-Term Adaptation to 50° Rubber

The rubber is unforgiving but rewarding when mastered:

• Focus on compact strokes, faster preparation, and timing rather than big swings.

• Record yourself to observe how much time you have between strokes and whether your swing is efficient.

• Train your explosive first step and balance — this helps you stay in position to attack again.

4. Alternative Strategy – Mix in Variation

If one opponent consistently blocks your slow topspin fast:

• Occasionally use a flatter, faster opening topspin to surprise.

• Or mix in a long push instead of opening every time — break their rhythm.

• Add placement variation: don't always open cross-court. Try middle or wide angles.