Technicality of forehand topspin
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 1 year ago
Dariusz Rypień Asked 1 year ago
Hello Alois,
I saw your videos about forehand topspin and I want to make sure that I understand you correctly. So the question concerns the elbow when it comes to the start position. So now I try to start my forehand topspin with the elbow slightly more straight than closed and during the contact I usually close it a bit more and add some wrist which is bend slightly more backwards on contact. I experimented and noticed that when I start with my elbow slightly more straight it gives me more flexibility and shots are of higher quality as well. Am I right?
Alois Rosario Answered 1 year ago
Hi Dariusz,
If you start with your arm more straight and bend your elbow through the stroke, you will be able to gain more power as well.
It sounds like you are on the right track. If you are finding that your shots are better quality then I think that is the answer.
Thoughts on this question
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Dariusz Rypień Posted 1 year ago
Ok, thanks for the answer. I've recently recorded myself performing a forehand topspin stroke with all those elements mentioned above. I would be grateful if you can analyse it, and tell me there is still something to be changed. Of course not all shots were executed so powerful, because oftentimes I start a little bit lighter with the first ball :).
You can find a link to the video below: https://youtu.be/F9Z3Axi_prI
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 1 year ago
Hi Darius,
Your basic technique is very good. Now I would try to relax your wrist, arm and shoulder a bit more so that you are not putting as much effort in. You will also be able to generate more power.
Dariusz Rypień Posted 1 year ago
Thanks. I am currently working on relaxing my arm more before the contact and move my elbow a little bit faster on contact. I've already noticed that it gives me more spin and speed to the ball as well as power. So basically I try to prioritise speed and spin over hitting the ball tensed with power :). I also have to admit that I used to struggle a lot with forehand topspin stroke , it was hard to get rid of old habits and irregular movement. But your videos were really useful and I did a lot of shadowplay in front of the mirror so it helped me to build a soild foundation :). Of course the change did not come day by day - it took some time. But now I can play confidently with both backhand and forehand :).
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 1 year ago
Well done Dariusz, great to hear about the improvement.
maurice Tate Posted 1 year ago
Take a look at the chinese forehand. They do a bent arm takeback then let the arm straighten somewhat in the forward swing. You can only do this if your arm is relaxed. The body rotation goes first so this moves the arm so it can be relaxed. This method generates the most spin compared to other methods. To learn this hold the bat arm with your other hand for all the takeback. Do this for weeks till you get it in muscle memory. Then relax the arm as you rotate foreward. Let it straighten.