backhand-topspin-using-elbow-and-wrist-and-forerhand-topspin
Nomad asked 2 years ago
https://youtube.com/shorts/O5M7RxZ5y1g?feature=share
https://youtube.com/shorts/O5M7RxZ5y
Hi Guys
I am in the process of developing more spin in my forehand and backhand strokes and am trying to use the elbow and wrist technique used by Liam Pitchford. I found this increased the power and spin with less effort than using the shoulder. Still a work in progress but definitely making a difference.
I have attached 2 links which give you an idea of where I am at the moment. The robot is firing mild backspin balls and I am using more wrist action to produce topspin which lands on the other side of the table and kicks high. Previously my strokes had more of a flat contact on the ball but I have found that I can get more control and power with less backswing by using more of the wrist and body turn..tricky at first as the timing needs practise but worth the effort. (I deliberately use various speeds of topspin return which could be useful in a match situation)
With a heavier backspin ball I lower the body and so get more power from the legs. I will video this later.
One other point…I noticed in Liam’s video demonstration that when he bent the wrist to produce topspin against backspin his bat angle naturally turned almost horizontally near the waist but as he turned his wrist forward and upward the bat angle was almost open and the ball was hit consistently on the bottom left hand side of the bat. This gave the maximum expanse of rubber to contact the top part of the ball as the wrist turned over to produce heavy topspin.
I will send another video my ongoing development in a game situation before the new season starts. In the meantime any comments or advice would be much appreciated.
Best wishes
Alex
Dan Academy Coach answered 2 years ago
Hey Alex! Yes Liam has some great tips on the use of the wrist we found that really help! You can really see how much shorter and compact your shots are, I think you look much more relaxed than before as well which is really good for getting more spin on your shots. I like that you are varying the speed of you shots too, this is important to practice because in matches you always need to try to mix it up to make it hard for opponents.
I also definitely agree with what you said about Liam’s bat angle and it’s something I hadn’t really thought much about before we did the filming with him. But this is a big reason he can get so much spin and quality, like you said he gets the maximum use of the rubber and really brushes over and around the ball. It is a bit different at first and can take time to master it but I think you’ve made good progress with it here already! Dan 🙂
NomadThanks for your comments Dan
Since sending the last message I have been using new rubbers which give more grip and control. By speeding up the wrist movement and using the elbow as a hinge I have noticed a big improvement in the quality of shot, especially against slower backspin balls. I am also beginning to use more wrist action in my forehand topspin drives. Timing can be tricky at times but I am sure that my both my forehand and backhand strokes will continue to improve using this technique.
Just as a matter of interest do you know what rubbers and blade Liam uses?
aniket_mishraHi Alex
I have some questions about backhand please reply
Hi Aniket
Just found your post after trawling through old footage. How can I be of assistnce?
