Point of Impact

charlie stewart Asked 14 years ago

on the overspin backhand and forehand is the point of impact simply intuitive? i know it i is critical for controll of the ball - keeping it on the table. is there any method to insure the right point of impact in the swing. i know that on a forehand smash it is critical.

i really enjoy your videos,they have helped me a lot. i have a friend from thailand who is helping me improve my game. he is a virtual return board no matter how well i hit the ball.

thanks again charlie stewart

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Charlie,

The point of impact in relation to your body should remain similar for all strokes. Basically the contact point will be in front of your body. If you clasp your hands together in front of you at around waist level, this is a reasonable contact point for all of your strokes. This may seem strange, but it can be the impact point for both forehand and backhand.

Take a look at the video response below.

Thanks for your kind words about the site. It is always reassuring and uplifting to receive such feedback.

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Jo Boermans Posted 14 years ago

Great video Alois

But is there a way to learn it or is it more an intuition ?

Because when i play, i don't look were the ball is, i just know he go's there and hit it without asking me if the ball is close enough to the point of impact.

chip Phatak Posted 14 years ago

Maybe I'm just missing something, but I'm pretty sure this is almost never possible on pushes since they're usually pretty far in on the table

Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 14 years ago
Hi Chip,
With a push that is landing short on the table, you need to move your foot in under the table to bring you closer to the ball. This will keep the point of impact the same and as you are closer to the ball you will have more control on your shot.

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 14 years ago
Hi Jo,
You do learn this by dong a lot of hitting with a bit of awareness. As you are hitting the ball feel what is comfortable for you. You will soon find a comfortable hitting point that will suit you. It may not be exactly the same for everyone but it will be roughly where I have described.