Lifting backspin

Esi Darap Asked 9 years ago

Hi Coach

Both players are using inverted rubbers.

Player 1 does a heavy backspin/chop.

Player 2 put his bat horizontally under the ball and lift the ball over the net, i.e. bat horizontally under the ball & only upward action, no forward action.

Questions:

What spin does player 1 receive?

How should player 1 attack?

Thank you for your time.

Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

Hi Esi,

Player 1 will usually get a no spin or maybe even a little topspin ball back that they should attack. It is also likely to be quite high.

It would be better for Player 2 to push it back by brushing under the ball so that they are getting some backspin and also able to keep the ball lower over the net. This will make it more difficult for Player 1 to make an effective attack.

← Lifting the backspin of hell VOCs and frictionless pimples in English leagues →

Recommended Video

Berry v Datta

Shibaji Datta is a hot favourite in this match up against the unusual style of Brian Berry who loves to mix the game up with some great defensive play and some whippy forehand attacks.

Watch Now

Esi Darap Posted 9 years ago

Thanks Alois, I am player 1 playing against player 2 once every month.

After 2-3 months, I realise he does that horizontal lift on my heavy backspin pretty often.

He has a soft inverted rubber plus soft touch that manage to return the ball low. His horizontal lift is more like a 1cm "slight & soft" lift. That return is normally low over the net but long on the table. I usually just close my bat and do my usual topspin. However, it ends up going out every time.

In your opinion, how would you attack? E.g. Bat angle? forward force? upward force? speed? maybe sidespin topspin?

Thank you

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago
Hi Esi,

I would topspin the ball making sure you are getting a good topspin contact on the ball. The brushing action will get the ball to dip onto the table quickly. You will need to adjust the angle and see which angle works best for you, but the important part is the topspin contact.