What's the best way to attack high, short balls
Strokes
Steve Ezzo Asked 11 years ago
Hi Alois & Jeff,
I play long pips on my backhand and I often get high, short balls returned to me off my pips. For a pips player, these are golden opportunities to finish the point, but I struggle with this shot. I usually miss long, but then I over correct and dump the ball into the net. These ball are too short to loop, whats the correct play?
Thanks,
Steve Ezzo
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Steve,
If they are high try to get around on your forehand and attack the ball. You can topspin it if it is high enough, even if it is a bit shorter. Move close to the table and get over the ball. Often the error comes if you are not in a good position to play the ball and mod to fate time players get themselves too far from the table and the ball drops short on them.
We have a couple of Ask the oath video response for our Premium members on Smash/Topspin High Chopped Ball and High backspin close to net.
Recommended Video
Forehand Topspin to Topspin
Topspin-to-topspin rallies are fast, dynamic, and can be the key to winning more points! 🏓🔥 Learning how to control these exchanges will help you stay on the attack and put pressure on your opponent.
In This Video, You'll Learn:
✅ How to adjust your technique for topspin rallies (compared to topspin vs. block)
✅ Why your stroke should be more forward and how to generate dip with topspin
✅ Tactical strategies – Mix up speed, spin, and placement for better control
✅ How to train this stroke effectively, even without a strong training partner
Thoughts on this question
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Ayesha Noon Posted 11 years ago
Can I flick the the ball if it is high and short, but not high enough to smash?
Yes that is a good option or you could use a topspin.
Ayesha Noon Posted 11 years ago
Ok, thanks.
Ayesha Noon Posted 11 years ago
And can you teach me how to do a counterspin? I don't know how to do it, so can you tell me, or even make a video on it?
Take a look at:
Topspin to Topspin
Counter a Slow Spinny Topspin
Ayesha Noon Posted 11 years ago
Thanks. I thought a counterspin was something different.