Surprise block against lob

thijs gruwez Asked 10 years ago

This would typically be a move for Waldner but I really want to know how to do the surprise dropshot right past the net when my opponent is far away trying to lob my smashes back at me. I can't seem to get the ball to bounce twice. any hints or tricks how he does it?

some dropshots can be seen in this footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPwMsECzoh0

Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

Hi Thijs,

Firstly wait till the ball bounces close to the net on your side. Then take the ball very close to the bounce and have a very relaxed hand. Also hitting the ball with a little sidespin will help it to stay short.

We have a lesson on this in our Strokes & Techniques section. Drop Shot off a Lob.

← Training and Relaxation Table Tennis club you play at →

Recommended Video

Forehand Topspin Variations

A great weapon is being able to vary the amount of speed and spin on your forehand topspin stroke. By making your stroke more vertical and brushing the ball finely, you can generate more spin. For more speed you need to swing more horizontally.

Watch Now

D K Posted 9 years ago

I also need this shot quite often,because my opponents are toying with me very often so they lob my serves.

But when I try a dropshot,I miss the ball.

Any advice how to correct it?

thijs gruwez Posted 9 years ago

Hi Alois. Thank you for commenting on my question even though there was a video available (blush blush... sorry about that)

The people I saw exeuting this technique also use the sidespin to make it really effective. Probably will take some practice but defenately worth it I think!