Return of heavy backspin from server
Nomad asked 2 years ago
Hi Tom / Dan In a recent match against a team who are the second top team in our league and are strong players. Having won the first 2 games in the set comfortably, my opponent caught on to the fact that my heavy backspin returns from his short backspin/sidespin serves almost always landed in the middle of his side of the table. it was easy for him to sidestep to execute a fast forehand topspin on the third ball which he did with great consistency, the ball landing within approximately a foot or less on the backhand corner of my side of the table. I lost narrowly in the 5th game. I was given some advice after the game that I should have returned his service with a short push with no spin which would prevent him using his strong forhand spin attack on the third ball. My team mate used this technique against the same opponent later in the match and the return from his no-spin push was high enough for him to win the point with a forehand or backhand topspin drive. I wondered what you would have advised to do and what angle of the bat was best to use for a short push against heavy backspin?
Tom Academy Coach answered 2 years ago
Hey! Ok so I think the most important thing with this type of player and return is to try to keep the ball short and tight to the net to stop them attacking. To do this short touch effectively you need to take the ball early and with a quick action cutting under the ball with a soft touch. The bat angle needs to be fairly open if there is a lot of backspin, so really focus on cutting underneath the ball.
Another option against this type of player would be a long deep push into their forehand corner which will keep them guessing and make it more difficult to turn around into the middle and play a forehand. Cheers, Tom
NomadThanks Tom
Much obliged for your comments.
I think the problem was that I was taking the heavy backspin ball as it was dropping and the return was landing too far into the opponent’s side of the table which gave him the opportunity to produce the fast topspin drive.
I will try out your advice on our next practise session.
Regards
Alex
