Returning the swinging topspin ball

Johan Hartwigsen Asked 11 years ago

Hi Alois and Jeff

One of the members where I usually play advised me to move to a better club to improve my skills. I went to the club a couple of times and the players are on higher level than I am used to everything is much faster.

The first thing I picked up is when I am practicing my forehand and my partner decides he wants to change it a bit and play a topspin himself it kick so quick off the table that I completly miss the ball or freeze up or I hit the into the net or the ball goes flying in the air. How do I play a top spin ball that is very fast and kicks even faster of the table? Do you have any tips for me?

The second shot that I can't play back is the fast top spin ball with side spin. He plays the ball with his forehand (Right handed guy) when the ball is low to the floor. The ball swings away from my forehand at a fast pace and when it kicks of the table it goes even faster and further away from me again I can only edge the ball or miss it completly or freeze up. The same happens with the ball being played with the backhand swinging into me. I can see when he is going to play these shots he opens up more and the shot takes a bit longer to play, but even when I am ready for it, it does not help much. How do I return these type of balls? Is there any tips for me?

How can I generate so much topspin?

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks for the site and the tips you guys give it helps me a lot.

Kind regards

Johan Hartwigsen

Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Johan,

Firstly it is great that you have found even better quality training partners.  I am sure this will help you.

Secondly, regarding the kicking ball, try to shorten your stroke and keep it as simple as you can.  Even a small blacking action is all you need.  You don't need any lifting action with this as they have put a lot of topspin on the ball already for you. Just get your bat moving forward.

To combat the sidespin shot I often find it easier to play it back with sidespin.  Take a look at the lesson we have on the Sidespin Forehand Topspin this may help.