Timo Boll's Technique

Dear PingSkills,

I've observed that Timo Boll's forehand topspin is different from the one taught at pingskills. The one in pingskills ends over head height whereas his topspin ends at neck height but is far more across his body. Please discuss the pros and cons of his technique as well as what modification apart from this is necessary to execute the stroke like him.

Secondly, his backhand counterhit always uses a closed racket face and hardly uses his shoulder. How does he get a flat contact using a closed face and how exactly does he get the ball over the net and how useful is his technique?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Viki,

Jeff and I have been discussing this recently as well. 

Boll's technique is obviously fantastic because he is one of the World's best players. His technique though incorporates more risk because of the different swings he makes.

His forehand finishing low will give him extra speed but for the mere mortals it will also lead to more errors because of the closed face of the racket and low follow through.

This is the same on the backhand side.  As you say it is difficult to see how he gets the ball over the net.  The answer is many many years of hard training to get the contact correct.  The closed face will give him better speed and spin but if you are not training many hours, it will also lead to more errors.

That is why the techniques we teach are a little different.  Boll's technique works for him but for players learning the game it can be hazardous.