Problem pivoting

Francisco Cespedes Grau Asked 12 years ago

Hey!, the first thing I have to say is thanks you for the work you do.

Well, I'm having problem trying to pivot to use my forehand, usually ppl push me in the backhand cause they know I have a strong forehand topspin off push, then I try to do a backhand topspin off push (which it's not so strong, and less consistent) or i try to pivot, but to pivot I need to move a before than my rival make the stroke if not I feel I have not time and I end up not pivoting and doing a passive shot, It's me I'm too slow? It's correct to try to pivot a bit before the rival makes the stroke or I should wait? Because a lot of times when my rival see I'm pivoting just push to forehand side and of course im not able to go there after pivoting.

Thanks for the answer, im sure it will help me a lot

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Francisco,

This is a common problem.

Unfortunately the key is a bit of hard work.  It is important to practice this pivoting movement so that you can make your movement faster.  This will also help you with your timing of the move.  You should watch the ball and move when you see the ball coming to your backhand.  This then requires fast movement.

A good drill for practicing the pivot is the Falkenberg drill.  Take a look at how to do this on page 3 of our Training Drills free download.

The other drill that I like for this is during training, practice backhand to backhand push.  When you are ready you pivot and make a forehand topspin.  However if your training partner sees you moving they can push the ball to your forehand.  You can even do this as a game to increase the intensity of it. 

The other thing to work on is to improve your backhand topspin.  You don't have to make it a fantastic shot, just be able to make a consistent topspin on the table with it so that you are not pinned down there.  Work on a simple technique and just lifting the ball over the net.  Look at the lesson on the Backhand Loop Off Backspin.

Thanks for your kind words about our site.