Smashing high return from long pimples

Strokes

Kristian Stoyanov
Kristian Stoyanov Asked 9 years ago

So I have this friend that I play with very often, who recently bought a long pimple rubber (Yasaka Phantom 0011) and when we play our games everything starts in my favour. I am able to return his serve no problem, and start getting the attack while he is defending. And then when I am almost at the finish line when he has returned the ball high using his pimples rubber I am having trouble smashing it. He returns the ball deep on the table and if I just try and smash it, it goes into the net. If I try to use some topspin (which feels very uncomfortable since the ball is really high) I get it out of the table. It's not like I miss by a lot I usually am off by around 3-4 centimeters but that is enough for me to lose a point which I worked hard for. Any advice?


Alois Rosario
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

Hi Kristian,

This is a difficult ball for a lot of players.  The ball that is high with backspin still needs to be treated with a lot of respect.  Doing a topspin is the best way to go, even if it feels a bot awkward.  Since the ball is so high you have to come more forward on the topspin.  Perhaps you are lifting the ball too much with a vertical action.  Think about brushing forward with topspin.

I hope this helps.

For our Premium members we have a couple of Ask the Coach videos responses. High backspin close to net and Smash/Topspin High Chopped Ball.


Recommended Video

Top 5 Table Tennis Lobbing Techniques (for Winning Tough Rallies)

We unveil the top 5 table tennis lobbing techniques to help you win tough rallies. You'll learn:

  1. Positioning: Discover how to position yourself effectively to execute successful lobs. 
  2. Topspin: Understand the importance of adding topspin to your lobs to make them more challenging for your opponent. 
  3. Depth: Learn to place your lobs deep on your opponent's side, limiting their attacking options. 
  4. High Topspin When Out of Position: Master the technique of using high topspin lobs to regain control when you're out of position. 
  5. Fishing to Take Control of the Rally: Explore the 'fishing' technique to turn defensive situations into offensive opportunities.

Watch Now

Thoughts on this question


Johan B

Johan B Posted 9 years ago

If it's uncomfortably high, you can always let it drop for another couple of inches, I guess :) less spin on it by then as well


Become a free member to post a comment about this question.