Returning after a long break

Hi Alois and Jeff,

im finally back to playing table tennis after 6 long months of exams and my game is currently in a deplorable state. i cant seem to remember what the right thing to do during practice and matches is.

Firstly, with my forehand, during topspin to block practice, how should my timing be (top of bounce/fall) and how should i react appropriately in either case? most of my balls go out when i play top of the bounce.

Second, off backspin, im finding it very hard to generate the spin. do you know any drills i can do to improve on ball contact (this has always been a problem for me)

Lastly, exactly how am i supposed to play the second after an opening topspin and when should i time it?  Am i supposed to angle down and play more forward or is there something else?

thank you so much!

Hi Shripathi,

I am glad that you have got past your exams.  I hope you were successful with them.

For the topspin you should try to get the ball at the top of the bounce.  If it is going off the table, then angle your bat more forward.

Off backspin, it is good to practice with multiball.  Get someone to feed the balls to you continuously with backspin.  Make sure you get a good contact on the ball and also brush up on the ball to generate the spin.  It is a fine trade off between contact an spin.

The second topspin is one that troubles a lot of players.  You really need to go forward on that ball.  Even aim to hit the ball into the net and you will see how difficult it is to do.  We do have a Premium lesson on this. Forehand Followup.

Most importantly though, allow yourself some tie to get back into it.  Do a lot of controlled hitting in the next couple of sessions to adjust.