Hey Gabriel,
Yes I can understand this of course and it’s not always easy to read the spin on a push like that. I would say the most important is to really watch the contact on their bat but also the speed of their bat. Often the ball will come through with more backspin if they make a faster cutting action and much less spin if its a slower more careful push action. Also I think focusing on spin and getting a good contact in the ball is important when your aren’t 100% sure in how much spin there is. Getting more spin helps you to control your shot and the ball much easier.
With the sidespin push again really trying to get more spin on your shot is key, if you don’t the sidespin can kick the ball off to the side or long. So try to aim for the body on these shots and go for more spin.
Often on these type of shots confidence is key and taking time to really work in this area will help you feel you have a better understanding of what to do.
Of course not ideal but sometimes if you are really not sure you may have to push a shot first before playing a loop, and waiting for one you feel confident about the spin on to open up. Against some players this is absolutely fine, of course if they have a very good loop or attack its better if you can loop first but sometimes it’s about being patient and cutting down the mistakes by taking a bit more time.
Let us know how you get on!
Cheers, Tom
