are-backhand-topspin-techniques-out-of-date
Resznotes asked 1 month ago
Hi, Tom and Dan,
When browsing other techniques for executing backhand topspin or counter topspin I see people hitting differently than my current method. In contrast to our online videos, Im seeing a lot more open rackets, with an upward motion/arc on the ball, and then spinning by flicking hand and wrist out to the side instead of down and forward over the top of the ball. Can you offer insights on this? Do you find yourselves changing your own techniques, and why, or why not. I do find that I “rim” the shot too often with our current method, and that it’s sometimes difficult to go over and down on a ball that is kicking up at me, so I am looking for a method that yields plenty of spin, yet more consistently lands the ball on the other side of the table. Is this newer technique a strong candidate? Finally, I’m not aware of when we will be getting new videos. Can you provide an update on that? Thanks!
Tom Academy Coach answered 4 weeks ago
I think the thing with techniques is that of course they do change and develop over the years with technology and modernization etc. But also different players and coaches will all do thing slightly differently and there is normally more than one way to do things correctly. Of course there are some fundamentals in each shot that everyone needs to be successful but after that each players shot will look slightly different and unique to them.
I don’t think I would say I change my technique much at all but of course you always want to keep adapting it slightly to find ways of maximizing your potential and qualities. With the backhand topspin the trend is definitely going towards a more open bat angle and then brushing over the ball, I wouldn’t recommend going to the side with the wrist too much because a lot of the forward momentum and quality can be lost. I think if you have a go at thinking about keeping your bat up slightly higher and having that touch more open bat angle and then brushing and accelerating forward and see how that feels. It’s often about finding what really works for you individually and feels good plus gives you consistency. Let us know how you get on. Tom 🙂
