Issues lifting low balls
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 11 years ago
Kristijan Jankoski Asked 11 years ago
Hello pingskills,
Today I've played with a friend who's playing with a rubber that has a low throw, and I found out that I've big consistency problems trying to play topspin on those balls (whether it's top or backspin). What I tried to do is open my legs as much as possible and go down as much as I can so I can "pull" the ball. However, many shots resulted in either hitting the net or going out of the table. Also, It's really hard to do this kind of movement during a rally. Could you please tell me how am I supposed to handle this shots? When playing in normal stance, I feel tension in my shoulder because I've a strong feeling that the ball will go in the net. Should I try just a brush loop?
Thanks for reading. Looking forward to your answer.
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Kristijan,
It may just be the tension in your shoulder. I find this is the first place that tightens in a lot of players.
Try to focus on keeping this relaxed through your shots especially the topspin strokes. Think about the effort you would need to just lift your arm from the start to finish positions. That is all the effort that is needed. Now while playing the stroke focus on the effortless lifting of your arm from start to finish position.
Thoughts on this question
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Abhiram Reddy Posted 11 years ago
Well this clears up a lot!!!!Thanks Alois for the answer and thanks for your excellent and well thought out question Kristijan .I'm more used to my Fh than my Bh and as a result my shoulder has been growing stiffer to hit harder but because of this I cant slow loop without sending the ball out half of the time and now that I think about it , I tend to stiffen my shoulder when hitting my forehand loops .My backhand being relatively newer is really smooth and efficient but less powerful than my forehand .
Kristijan Jankoski Posted 11 years ago
Having exactly the same issue Abhiram :)
My suggestion is to warm up with a guy who blocks really well and someone who'll consistenly return low balls to you. After ~100 balls you won't feel a thing and you'll be full with self confidence. However, if you try to play a match without a proper warmup ( like I do ) the issue will much, much bigger. Currently I'm just trying to do what Alois says and do the motion without worrying where the ball will land.
nate s Posted 11 years ago
Thank you for asking and answering this question finally I know!!