Returning a medium fast Topspin against deep backspin

Rama Camatchee Asked 11 years ago

Dear Coach,

At our club, many opponents would attack on high / slow topspin by simply taking a step back and smash or fast loop.

Hence, my strategy on a strong and low backspin is to chop-back until the ball is high or perform an aggressive topspin.

My aggressive  topspin is not consistent as I am unsure of the forward movement which is critical for aggrresive topspin whilst performing well the upwards movement.

1) If start position say 50cm from table with bat below table and open at say 50 to 60 degrees ( between knee and table height)

2) More upward movement and finish at 90 degree angle arms.

As a guide can you help me out with the forward movement as this is important for the fast topspin.

1) At the finishing 90 and 90 degrees for arms and elbow, should my elbow be pointed to the opponent?

2) How far should my palm be away from my forehead after the shot?

3) What is the best racket angle for heavy backspin.

In short , the start postion was 50cm away from table where should my palm ( and bat) be at the end of the shot.

Regards

Rama

Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Rama,

For the finishing position of the elbow it should point more towards the side rather than the opponent.

You palm should be very close to your forehead or even touching it.

For heavier backspin have the racket very open, close to 90 degrees.

Don't get too caught up with the small technicalities.  Look more at what is happening to the ball and getting the basics right.  There are too many small variations in the ball that you are hitting to think about exact angles.