Using advanced backhand topspin
Strokes
Mudit Kapoor Asked 10 years ago
Hi Alois,
I am a left handed player and I have been practicing advanced backhand topspin using my wrist and forearm. However, I find it very difficult to do it in a match situation specially when the serve is directed straight to me on my body from a right handed player. I tend to use more of a longer stroke which is weird and doesn't have much control. I also figured out that I might have my arms stiff and I don't feel that I have enough time to play a wristy stroke.
I tried stand a little back further from the table, but this results in other issues. When my opponent spots this then they start serving very short and wide on my forehand which again I am able to just fetch without much action. So they then get a easy ball to my backhand.
Any suggestions how can I start using the advanced backhand topspin in matches. I want to hit the ball on the bounce so that I get maximum advantage of this stroke.
Thank you for your valuable time.
Regards,
Mudit
Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago
Hi Mudit,
You need to think about keeping a relaxed arm and wrist especially during the stroke. In training, practice a lot of service returns utilising the stroke.
All the things you have talked about, such as standing back, can work. Perhaps you are standing back too far.
Recommended Video
Push Variation
Once you have learnt the push stroke it is important to be able to vary the stroke to get better results.
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Mudit Kapoor Posted 10 years ago
Hi Alois,
Ya, I agree with what you are suggesting. I need more practice with the stroke. Also to add from my experience, I feel that arm speed along with balanced posture is the key here. If arm speed is slow then results are not good. I wanted your help to understand that what should I do if a righty serves me a serve which is short and is very wide on my forehand going just off the edge.
Move in close to the table. You can move in with your left foot for this one. Then make a short push back to them. If you go short to their forehand it will make them move in.
Ilia Minkin Posted 10 years ago
There is also a very good demonstration by a hongkongese coach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi0Nw84MuVo
However, my problem is that I can lift a backspin ball with my backhand only if I create a really dramatic wrist action. If I relax it just a little bit, the ball straight into the net, so my stroke is very inconsistent. So I wonder whether I should lift the ball more with my legs, or, maybe change my rubber (it is not new, but still has some grip).