backhand-drive-from-a-distance-behind-the-table
Hi Dan
Thanks for your reply to my last question regarding forhand topspin. I feel that my forehand has moved up a level by using greater body turn with weight transfer from right to left leg and increased speed of the follow through. This means that my bat angle is now slightly more closed that previously and creates more spin (and speed) by coming over the top of the ball.
I would now like your opinion on the technique when using the backhand drive further back from the table. Assuming you are in a position about 2 metres behind the table and the opponent plays a fast topspin to your backhand how would play a forceful topspin stroke in return? What I have done so far is to adjust the open bat angle to almost horizontal to give a higher arc, with the elbow close to the body but above the hand so that most of the power is generated by the forearm which follows through towards head hight. At this point the whole arm has extended to almost 180 degrees. At the beginning of the stroke my wrist is bent and then turns over the top of the ball at the end of the stroke to create more spin and speed.
I appreciate this is an advanced stroke which requires good footwork, body turn and timing and lots of practise. At the moment I can return a fast topspin from approximately 2 metres behind the table but would like to make a more foreceful return if possible. At the moment I tend to play a return which usually land mid table on the opponent’s side and is an easy ball for the opponent to finish the rally.
Perhaps this might make a good subject for a video tutorial?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Regards
Alex
Hi Alex,
I would say what you have described here sounds good but I would say if possible you can keep he shot very similar but trying to close the bat angle and really accelerate over the ball more which will give you a more positive return. But yes it we could see a video on f this it would help give you some pointers. Definitely a video on this is a great idea and we will try to create one soon.
Dan 🙂
Thanks Dan
I will practice this and let you know how I get on.
Alex