Optimal timing on forehand topspin
ReeceTowe123 asked 4 years ago
Hi Dan or Tom, In your videos your always talk about hitting the forehand at the top of the bounce but i have seen many chinese players such as ma long or zhang jike take the ball when it has dropped a bit, are there many differences between the two when it comes to how effective the stroke is? What would the pros an cons be of each of them and in what situations would the different timing points be effective?
Tom Academy Coach answered 4 years ago
Hi Reece, OK so against a backspin ball the ideal timing is just as the ball begins to drop after the top of the bounce, but only minimally. Most of the time it’s easiest for players to hit at the top of the bounce as there you have the most safety. However getting that bit more coil and waiting a fraction longer sometimes you can produce more power with that coiled spring feeling.
Also against a weaker ball in an open rally it can be great to take the ball earlier than the top of the bounce and take the opponents time away by playing quickly. So it really depends on es depend on the situation and what type of ball is coming to you for the timing. Its just that most of the time the top of the bounce is the safest and best point to play. But at a higher and more advanced level slightly different timing points can have benefits. Let me know if you need anything else on this topic or if something doesn’t make sense.
Cheers, Tom 🙂
ReeceTowe123Thanks Tom
