modern-defender-struggling-on-fh-side
Jparker12354 asked 3 years ago
I have been using long pimples on my backhand for a couple of years and have recently transitioned from chop blocking and hitting close to the table, to chopping mid and long distance. I have found that an area of my game that is really lacking is my FH side when further away from the table. I end up lobbing everything and lose about 9/10 of these rallies. I have a strong FH open up close to the table but struggle with attacking further away. What advice would you give someone with my problem as I seem to be afraid to attack a topspin to my FH?
Tom Academy Coach answered 3 years ago
Hey! Apologies for the slow response. Ok that’s interesting but I do think it’s something you’ll be able to learn and improve quite quickly. You do need a slightly longer backswing away from the table but also to stay relaxed and not force it. Another common problem when playing forehand away form the table is being to far from the ball, often you need to move in slightly to play an good topspin, so footwork is important and keeping low and with your weight forward.
A great way to work on this is just starting back from the table and practice playing forehands and then gradually moving into the the table and then back again, this way you will practice the shot at all different timing points and get used to the feeling.
Lastly I would say don’t forget to really use your legs and body when away form the table, this can help you feel more under control but still get the power when you are further back. Let us know if you have any other questions on this 🙂
