how-to-counter-a-hook-top-spin-with-side-spin
alexio asked 5 years ago
Please advice how to counter a hook – top spin with side sping. With a variation – hook by a left-handed opponent.
Tom Academy Coach answered 5 years ago
Hi Alexio, yes these tyoes of shots van be tricky to return. So for a left hander playing a hook to you, if your right handed, it will come around curling into your wide backhand side.
So it’s important to track the flight of the ball and not rush in to quickly so you can get your body behind the shot. Many players try to hit this shot to early and end up reaching for it. The next point to think about is going for some extra topspin to counteract their side spin and also aiming against the spin to avoid the ball going off the side. Some players find aiming for the middle line helps. Try to play with a confident tospin, if you play too carefully on this type of shot often the spin from the hook will make the ball fly off the table.
I hope those tips will help, give them a try and if you need any more information or more help just let us know.
alexioThanks Tom,
I am thinking if countering it with a backhand flick is an option… Specifically the left-handed hook.
Any thoughts on that?
No problem, yes that is definitely an option if the ball is short and over the table because you can use your wrist to generate spin and counter their side spin.
If the ball is long however a backhand topspin is your best option as it will be easier to play a full stroke and control the ball placement.
