Tips for FH brushing

Ji-Soo Woo Asked 13 years ago

Hi Alois

As 2011 begins and looking back at my progress in table tennis last year, I think one of my major weaknesses remains my tendency to hit my FH attacking shots way too flat.

I know I should be brushing the ball, but it's hard to actually do it in a match.  I've watched countless instructional videos demonstrating the FH loop and drive, and played against countless opponents who could generate heavy topspin, but somehow I just can't make it a feature of my own game.

Any tips/hints/advice on things I could try out to rebuild my FH technique to allow for consistent spin generation?

I notice I CAN generate heavy spin but only against specific shots.

For example, a slow spinny top/side spin shot curving into my body on my FH side is very easy to rip back with my own top/side spin.  Strangely, I can't seem to do the same for a "regular" shot. 

Perhaps a bigger and earlier backswing?  Maybe dropping my racquet lower in my backswing?  Maybe swinging earlier?

Thanks in advance!

Ji-Soo

P.S. can't wait for the return of service video!!!

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Ji Soo,

It looks like you have a tight wrist.  If your wrist is tight and curving in you will find it easier to generate topspin when the ball is curving in towards you.

Relax your wrist  so that when the ball is straight or curving away you will get a proper contact on the ball.

You also need to focus on your finish position of your forehand contact.  Make sure it is at the right position.  This will give you consistency of stroke.

Forget about the swing earlier or later or bigger, just get your wrist relaxed and nice and straight.

This is the importance of the pure topspin that you get with a straight wrist. Then you will be able to cope with all sorts of spin and variation.

The Receiving Secrets DVD is making good progress.  Jeff is in hibernation working frantically on the editing at the moment.