top-of-the-ball-topspin
Slicepong asked 5 years ago
Hi Tom and Dan. I am still an unglorified beginner as far as table time, just maneuvering into topspin, so I haven’t hit hardly any flat topspin. It seems like it can be wickedly effective with the right ball, and I think the guys I play would feed me said balls consistently if accidently. Do you basically aim for the top of the ball , squeeze for control , and make sure the ball is at least near net height?It’s flattish, but since you’re hitting low to high, there’s still topspin and some safety. So, avoid with heavy backspin, but on many other balls it should work, right? My normal novice topspin is either close to 70 degrees vs backspin, and 45 for a normal topspin shot. It’s ok, but I still play too safe with not optimal bat speed. You can’t do that with top top, correct? You have to release the hounds or you hit it out or a sitter, otherwise. Thanks.
Dan Academy Coach answered 5 years ago
Hi Slicepong, Your tight it is very effective of you can hit a topspin with less arc and more power, I wouldn’t say its really a flat shot as such but as you mentioned brushing over and through the top of the ball rather than too much brushing upwards is definitely the way to do it. Also like you said it’s about picking the right time to do these, like avoiding it on backspin or if the ball has dropped too low but if you can pick the right time to use it for sure it’s a great shot.
By the sounds of it I would say you can keep practising this but even on your slower and more controlled topspin shots try to improve and work on your bat acceleration through the ball to get more spin and zip through the table. Also your spot on if you are brushing the top of the ball more without enough acceleration it won’t be an effective shot or will go into the net. So keep going with practising these shots and focus on acceleration through the contact area and top of the bounce timing with a smooth but quick action!
SlicepongThanks for your excellent and thorough reply, Dan. Nice to know I’m on the right track mentally. I will try to unleash the Hounds!
