Smash against a lot of backspin?

Mantas Unknown Asked 15 years ago

Hello Alois,

I am experienced player, but i have a problem.

When I serve long or short serve (it doesn't matter) my coach smashes the ball and i can't return it! I can't believe how does he do that against a lot of backspin in long serve (I would like to loop, but not smash)? He smashes it with forehand and backhand as well. I tryed to return it further from the table, but then he pushes the ball very short and fast, so I can use only push instead flick, and when I do that, he smashes it again. I found him using push instead of flick in forehand side somtimes, and then I can flick it , but if I flick with too less power he smashes the ball again!

I'm an attacking player with strong forehand and blocking/punching backhand.  I also can do very good serves with any type of spin.

So what do you recommend for me?

What type of serves and where should I serve? 

How and where should I return his serves? 

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Mantas,

My first recommendation is to find an easier opponent!

To stop someone from smashing your backspin serves think about the height you are serving.  Take a really colose look at the top of the net.  Try to get the serve to just skim the net on the way over. 

Secondly, try to keep the ball closer to the net so he can't get a full swing at the ball.

I don't think your problem is your next stroke I think you need to do something about stopping the smash from happening.