Counter topspin – technique adjustments vs normal topspin
Yuan asked 3 months ago
Hi Tom and Dan,
Some time ago I changed my forehand topspin technique to engage the sponge more (thicker contact) vs a more grazing contact. This hass improved my consistency and the spin I can get out of the rubber (euro jap rubber). I am also adopting a slightly more open bat angle to generate more power.
However, I’m now trying to develop a counter topspin and I’m finding that I am often unable to land the ball on the table with this thicker contact and more open bat angle since the incoming topspin reacts and jumps off the sponge more with this heavy contact.
I’m now thinking that I have to adopt a different technique when counter top spinning by closing the bat angle more and graze brushing the ball more to land it.
An alternative is also contacting the ball more on the side as it seemed Sharath was recommending in his master class but I’m wondering if this makes it more difficult to direct the ball down the line. Really appreciate your thoughts and guidance on this.
YC
Yuan answered 3 months ago
To clarify, I’m still brushing the ball but just letting it sink into the sponge more. I find that this activates higher spin in my rubber (Dynaryz AGR).
Yuan answered 3 months ago
To clarify, I’m still brushing the ball but just letting it sink into the sponge more. I find that this activates higher spin in my rubber (Dynaryz AGR).
Yuan answered 3 months ago
To clarify, I’m still brushing the ball but just letting it sink into the sponge more. I find that this activates higher spin in my rubber (Dynaryz AGR).
Dan Academy Coach answered 3 months ago
Hey Yuan, Yes I would say for sur when trying to counter a heavy topspin ball you do need to brush and graze across the ball more to control the spin. You need this softer contact to stop the ball flying long of the end of the table. With the wrist angle that Kamal mention sin his masterclass I did find this really helped me get the ball down and stop it going off the end of the table but it is a little bit more difficult to go down the line. I think Kamal has quite and extreme wrist angle though, so even a small amount of this would help and still be ok for playing down the line.
I would say the main thing of the contact is that you do need adjust for different shots, so what works for the normal topspin will have to change slightly for a counter or a smash or open up shot. So it’s always about finding the best contact for each shot. I hope this makes sense and any other questions just let us know.
Dan 🙂
Yuan answered 3 months ago
Thanks Dan, knowing that the topspin isn’t a “one size fits all” approach is reassuring. I’m going to try getting used to the finer graze approach for the counter topspin.
Could I please ask what are your thoughts and tips on how to avoid hitting the ball on the edge of the racket? When I opened up my topspin bat angle I found I was able to avoid this more and my shot became more consistent. When counter top spinning I find that the ball trajectory is so much more challenging and unpredictable, and the angle to finely contact the ball without hitting the edge will be difficult, it seems.
What is your approach to not hit the ball on the edge while grazing it consistently?
Thanks again, Yuan
Yuan answered 3 months ago
Thanks Dan, knowing that the topspin isn’t a “one size fits all” approach is reassuring. I’m going to try getting used to the finer graze approach for the counter topspin.
Could I please ask what are your thoughts and tips on how to avoid hitting the ball on the edge of the racket? When I opened up my topspin bat angle I found I was able to avoid this more and my shot became more consistent. When counter top spinning I find that the ball trajectory is so much more challenging and unpredictable, and the angle to finely contact the ball without hitting the edge will be difficult, it seems.
What is your approach to not hit the ball on the edge while grazing it consistently?
Thanks again, Yuan
Dan Academy Coach answered 3 months ago
Hey Yuan, yeah I think making small changes to the contact is always important and definitely keep going with trying to brush over the counter attacks. To avoid hitting the edge is about timing and making sure you get the ball at the top of the bounce but also keep a good body position l, so being low and with your weight forward and make sure you are stable and balanced with your feet. This will help avoid edges, and also if you can try to keep your bat high when getting ready for a counter topspin I’ve found this really helps me avoid hitting the edge and also keep the ball down when playing against heavy topspin.
I hope this helps!
Dan 🙂
