Rolling the ball from one side to the other

Yes Tom and Alois,

This is definitely a "Trick" that takes time to master. I have worked on it a few times and have only been able to do it a couple of time's. So practice, practice, practice and sooner or later you will get it.

I find I can do it in one direction quite easily,from my forehand to my backhand. The ball rolls over smoothly. But backhand to forehand remains a bit bouncy on the rubber. Just keep practicing I guess :)

You are right Johan…. keep practising.

I've been practicing this too and I found that "rolling over" is really the combination of three skills:

1. alternate bouncing the ball on forehand and backhand
2. throwing the ball with one bat side instead of hitting it
3. catching a ball with the bat from up in the air

The first is a basic skill which is easy to practice.

The second skill is also not too difficult. Throw up the ball with one bat side, then let it bounce on the other.

The third requires more practice: bounce the ball high, then bring up the bat towards it and guide the ball while falling, thus "catching" it.

Bringing it all together:

1. throw up the ball with one bat side
2. keep the upward trajectory low
3. follow the ball upward with your bat
4. tilt the bat at the peak of the ball, while still following it
5. catch the ball with the other bat side

If you do these five steps and try keeping the bat in contact with the ball, you'll eventually "roll it over".