Hi Sue,
I know exactly what you mean, I would say that sometimes side spin can be useful like in the situation you mentioned ding a hook so it kicks away from the opponent when it lands on the table. However I would definitely say that you shouldn’t use this all the time or too often as by adding side spin you will lose out on power and control etc, so it’s a shot that can be useful in certain situations in a match for sure for example of the opponent is out of position adding a slight hook or fade side spin to the ball to get the ball kicking away from them even more.
Generally I would say a well placed standard topspin shot is enough most of the time but some players can add a bit of side spin to good effect, so experiment and see how you find using it now and then and if you feel confident doing it.
