How to return high topspin lobs to the backhand

Hi there Alois and Jeff

I am a L2 coach In Mornington VIC at MFTTA.  First thank you for an amazing and brilliant website - I constantly recommend all my trainees go to your website.  Incredibly helpful.

I have been coaching a C grade adult who started from total beginner level, and that person has progressed well on topspin FH and BH, plus serving etc.  In a scratch match their opponent's game was defensive with a lot of topspin lobs delivered well back from the table.  My trainee did well but struggled with high topspin balls to their backhand.  I realised that in my coaching this has not come up mainly because we have been doing basics closer to the table, without lobs.  I have a few ideas but would be interested to know what you might suggest!  Kind regards, David

Hi David,

Thank you for your kind words and your dedication to promoting the sport and coaching!

Dealing with high topspin lobs, especially on the backhand, can be challenging for players who are still developing their skills. Here are a few strategies you might consider incorporating into your training sessions:

I think the first thing is if the ball is high then you have time to move around and play the high ball with your forehand.  The backhand is much more awkward to play from high because of the movement of the shoulder.

Firstly get them to become comfortable with the Forehand Smash.  Take a look at the tutorial on the Forehand Smash.  You can design specific drills where you, as a coach, continuously lob the ball with topspin to your trainee’s backhand side. This will help them get used to the trajectory and height, enhancing their timing and confidence. Start with less intense topspin and gradually increase it as they improve.

Then I would start to get them to be able to transition from a close to the table position to the position for a Forehand Smash.  You could hit a few balls lower and then hit one higher with topspin to the backhand and get them to move into position to play the stroke.

High spinning lobs require excellent eye coordination. Practice drills that enhance your trainee's ability to track the ball throughout its flight, preparing them to time their strokes accurately. By focusing on these aspects, your trainee will become more adept at managing high topspin lobs to the backhand and turning a defensive position into an opportunity for attack.

Keep up the fantastic work at Mornington.