Returning Half Long Balls

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 6 years ago

Ian Costello

Ian Costello Asked 12 years ago

Hi, Alois.

Can you answer this please?

When I return a half long serve, I have trouble liftting the ball with a slow spinny loop, so I push the ball, but I'm a attacking player, so the next ball I need to lift because my opponent pushes the ball often, causing it difficult to hit a strong topspin, and I hit it into the net. Is there a way to make a difficult return for my opponent? I flick it [but that is tough], or should I hit a slow sppiny loop low over the net?         

Thanks Guys,

Ian.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

HI Ian,

The slow spinny loop is the best option.  If the ball only bounces once then use the loop whenever possible.

If you push and they push the next ball then again make sure you get into a position to topspin. 


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Thoughts on this question

Ian Costello

Ian Costello Posted 12 years ago

Should I hit the loop at the top of the bounce?

Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

You can hit it at the top of the bounce or if it is really close to the table wait till it drops off the end of the table and then lift it.

Ian Costello

Ian Costello Posted 12 years ago

What about if it's barely long, can I push with heavy backspin?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

If it is long it is long.  So that means even if the second bounce is just off the table you should attempt to make a topspin stroke.

This can be difficult to master but it is what you should be aiming for. 


Ian Costello

Ian Costello Posted 12 years ago

Like a topspin over the table?

Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

If you can topspin over the table that is even better.

Ilia Minkin

Ilia Minkin Posted 9 years ago

>The slow spinny loop is the best option.  If the ball only bounces once then use the loop whenever possible.

What if a half-long serve has topspin on it? Is slow spinny loop still viable option? I find flipping and power looping this kind of balls really awkward.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago

With topspin you can drive more forward on your topspin.


Abdul Raqueeb

Abdul Raqueeb Posted 9 years ago

you guys rock 

well done and keep it upsmile

 


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago

Thanks Abdul.


eugene lu

eugene lu Posted 6 years ago

I'm also having trouble with this stroke. Some half long balls are VERY close to the edge of the table and I'm very afraid that the bat might hit the table and break. Also, these balls are difficult to hit if you take it too late as it will hit the edge of the table and you lose the point.

How can I overcome these two problems?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 6 years ago

Hi Eugene,

If you are worried, take the ball earlier over the table and make a push or flick.



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