Learning Technique

Tim Unknown Asked 15 years ago

Dear Alois,

I really have problems making a good forehand topspin. First, for all of my topsins I make the same mistake which you present at the video: Table Tennis Forehand Topspin Against Backspin Lesson (between 00:37-00:49). My Topspin goes in most cases across my body. How can I solve this problem

Second, in the topspin videos it seems that Jeff hits the balls with the upper area of his blade. In my case i hit them with higher area. Is this is a sign that i hit the ball too early.

Third, i did not get rotation into the topspin. Seems that my brushing the ball is not enough. But how can I train the brushing for the Topspin. Brushing the ball due the service is not a problem for me.

It will be nice if you can send me some hints and some trainings methods to get a better topspin.

Furthermore, i'm very excited to get the Service DVD which i ordered on Sunday. Last question. Is there the possibilty to send you a short video, so you can see my errors?

All the best

Tim

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Tim,

To fix your swing you need to focus on the finish position of your swing.

I have found a really effective way is to give yourself a rating at the end of each stroke.  You may even get someone to watch you and give you a rating.

This is as simple as, you get a '10' if your bat finishes in the correct position.  A '9' if you finish a little low and so on, until you get a rating of 1 if it finishes down low near your stomach.  Do this slowly, one ball at a time and stop to get your rating after each stroke. 

Where the ball goes does not effect the rating.  Yes, even if the ball misses the table by 3 metres and you finish with your bat in the right position you still get a 10.

Play this games with yourself and you will be surprised how quickly your swing changes.

Remember to take your focus off where the ball is going and focus only on where your bat finishes.  This is difficult to do at first but persevere.  The results will be worthwhile.

For your second problem of where the ball hits on your bat.  If the ball hits up high it is still OK.  It is better than if it hits low on the bat.  However if you have a problem with where the ball is hitting your bat employ the same correction method.  Give your self a rating of where the ball is hitting on your bat.  If you are not sure what is the best spot, experiment for yourself and see which spot on your bat feels the best and gives you the best result.  Try all different spots at first.  Once you have the spot that you think is best, give yourself a rating as to how close you are to hitting the ball in the correct spot.  A '10' means you are right on the money. 

To improve the brushing contact what you can do is focus on the trajectory of the ball.  Watch how much the ball is dipping.  You are looking for the ball to dip as much as possible in its flight.  Try this out.  Again you can give yourself a rating as to how much dip you are getting on the ball.

Let me know how you go with the Serving Secrets Revelead DVD.  I hope it helps you to improve your serves.

Lastly, with regard to the Video of you playing.  We trialed this for a while on our website.  It was not successful at all.  We offered a Video Analysis service but had a very low response.  If the readers feel this is something they could use, we can always bring it back.  We offered the service for AUD$30  for up to a 10 minute video.

Thanks for your interesting questions.  I hope these answers help you.