backhand-punch-vs-backhand-topspin-down-the-line
maurice101 asked 4 years ago
I see harimotos backhand punch down the line wins him a lot of points. I have been learning this stroke. I find it technically easier that a backhand topspin down the line but it has less margin for error. So the question is shot selection for the line? Close to table punch and farther away topspin?
Tom Academy Coach answered 4 years ago
Hi Maurice, yes it’s fantastic and so effective when Harimoto does this shot and I actually like to use this type of shot quite a bit myself. So yes with the punch you do need to be close to the table for it to work also there needs to be at least a little topspin on the ball coming to you to allow enough margin of error to punch through the shot and definitely hitting right at the peak of the bounce.
When you are further back its better to topspin for sure to give that spin and safety. But definitely keep going with the punch shots when close as long as the ball isn’t very low to the net etc.
