Opening up options from heavy backspin push to mid table
Nomad asked 3 years ago
Hi Tom & Dan
As an attacking style player I am always looking for an opening to put the opponent on the back foot and get an advantage with a
backhand or forehand topspin or smash. To prevent this an opponent usually keeps the return low with heavy backspin to midway on my
side of the table. Thanks to your brilliant videos I have developed a fairly strong topspin/backhand action, bending my legs and
using my forearm and relaxed wrist to produce heavy topspin as the ball comes off the table.
However, for variety, I am looking at alternative ways of opening up against mid table backspin balls where the ball does not drop
off the table after the second bounce e.g.
1) A slower topspin ball to either side of the table intending to just clear the net and prepare for the potential topspin return
with a counter topspin or block.
2) An aggressive push to the opponent's backhand (right hander)
3) A disguised push which (changes direction at the last second) from the opponent's backhand to his forehand by bending the wrist
(similar to the backhand flick position) which produces a fast sidespin/backspin ball and takes him by surprise.
For a potential video it would be great if you both could set up a demonstration game aimed at showing some of the alternatives
and also the response of each other (unrehearsed) to the opening up action in a competitive situation. To make it match realistic
you could start each point with a mid table, heavy backspin ball. After the game(s) you could select the best footage to show the
various responses in attempting to create an opening to win the point.
Best wishes for Christmas
https://youtu.be/VY1of2wE3fo&
1 Answers
Tom Academy Coach answered 3 years ago
Hi Alex,
I think it’s brilliant that you are thinking about adding this type of shot variety to your game which will really help in match play. I particularly like the aggressive deep push nd disguised push which I feel a lot of players struggle to adapt too. You look like you are doing these very well on the video you shared at the bottom!
Once we can film again we will definitely look at making a video on this topic as you suggested. But keep up the good practice on this area, it’s quite important in match paly to have variety of speed, spin and placement.
Some players also really struggle to contain the slow heavy spin ball you mentioned as well.
All the best and enjoy your Christmas, from myself and Dan! 🙂
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