backhand-drive-from-a-distance-follow-up
Nomad asked 2 years ago
Hi Dan / Tom
Further to my last post I have been experimenting with the backhand topspin against backspin where the ball lands close to the baseline of the table. In the normal topspin backhand open up close to the table I use the technique of bending the wrist towards the stomach with high elbow which allows the forearm to snap forward and the wrist to unbend and close over the top of the ball. This works fine and can create a lot of power in the stroke using the forearm and wrist. Further away from the table however, even by using body turn. I am struggling to keep the attacking momentum.
I have been trying a variation of the stroke for long balls with heavier backspin). In this stroke instead of bending my wrist as soon as my stroke starts I turn my hand back in a semi circle to waist height (bending my legs at the same time) with the thumb below the other fingers. (The elbow has automatically been raised higher My wrist continues to turn inwards until it is hanging vertically from the wrist with the back of the hand facing the table. At this point the forward stroke with the forearm moving up. The wrist unbends and snaps forward with both the forearm and arm extending to the maximum and contact is made with the ball on its left hand side. The difference with the normal stroke is that this method uses the arm for power as well as the forearm and wrist.
This is still in the experimental stage
Let me know your thoughts
Regards
Alex
Thanks
Dan Academy Coach answered 2 years ago
Hi Alex,
Yes back from the table it’s more difficult to genera power and also be accurate with your shots but using the body trunk and wrist are both key elements that you said above here. I definitely feel using the forearm and wrist together is they way to go. I have worked on this a lot myself to generate spin and power on the backhand but by using the forearm well it can remain stable and consistent. It’s just making sure to release the wrist and accelerate at the right point, just before the contact to get maximum quality.
I also feel with this higher elbow position once you get used to it you will feel solid with the shot long term and give you a lot of confidence, this is what I have found withmy backhand recently. Keep up the work on this and I’m sire you will find generating the power isn’t too difficult with some practice.
Dan 🙂
NomadHi Dan
I totally agree that the wrist and elbow is essential for topspin and timing is paramount. I put in some practise against a defender a few days ago who put heavy backspin on the ball which landed deep on my side of the table. The only difference between the action of a light to medium topspin backhand return where my wrist bent inwards first (with the elbow just under shoulder height) was that my hand rotated counter clockwise (with my fingers facing towards the table) before my wrist started to bend and my hand dropped to about 6 on the anologue clock. At this stage my shoulder had turned to near alomost shoulder height. The forearm then turned clockwise with my wrist snapping quickly forward on contact with the ball. The strength of this movement caused the arm to folllow through and straighten. All parts of the body were used, legs, body turn, elbow, wrist and arm. I would not use this unless it is against a slow but heavier backspin as timing, as you mentioned, is critical.
I managed to produce greater speed and power but will have to work on consistency and feet movement.
In the meantime I will practise a variety of backhand strokes and send a video so you can judge the progress.
Thanks again for your comments Dan. Much appreciated
Alex
