With the plastic ball I have the opposite problem. In training drills I often open so strong that the ball never comes back or overshoots the table. Today I tried to open softer to let my partner block it and I go for the 2nd one to finish the point. Quite consistently I shoot it to the net. I do a jump back for more space, the angle is quite closed, the ball is quite high, still the contact is a bit hard and the ball goes wrong. Happens with well used and quite fresh rubbers equally. So I definitely do something wrong.
Another commom problem is that we commonly perform the 1 topspin standing near the table and when the opponent blocks ist, we have to stand 1 step away from the table to perfom the second attacking topspin against that block. So after we play the first one, we have to swiftly move 1 step back.
Yes. Incoming spin + bat angle = correct trajectory If incoming spin sends the ball upwards, the bat angle should send the ball downward and vice versa. Obviously this only applies to spinny rubber, because spin doesn't affect anti spin rubber at all (which can greatly confuse the opponent if they don't expect it)
But it's very basic, different angle for different spins. Good acceleration makes this difference smaller, useful to loop backspin balls over the table.
You are right, we don't have much time to think, so we need to make the action automatic. That's why all those hours and hours and hours of training is necessary.
I think it's important to explain why we'd use two different swings depending on the spin of the ball coming at us by showing us the way the ball is spinning and what the ball wants to naturally do when it contacts the paddle based on it's spin. Stress how backspin hitting a paddle makes the ball want to return down and topspin hitting a paddle makes the ball want to return upwards. I think its important to be able to visualize which way the ball is spinning when it contacts the paddle. Any visual aids in this regard would be helpful.
If the ball is light backspin, you don't need to open your bat angle as much. But if it is heavy backspin, then opening your bat angle will help spin the ball over the net.
holy cow! Now I know why my game seemed to regress so much when I started to use the forehand loop - I kept hitting the second loop long exactly like this. Thanks for the tip!
For me personally it's easier after I've made a loop against backspin to deliver a flat powerful hit and then continue with flat hits. But that's a personal experiense.
Tom, every day I get something I use everyday. I'm retired and live in a great community with a fantastic 5 table pavilion so I get to take these lessons to the floor while still fresh in my mind. Thanks so much for your excellent videos.
Hi Tom , can you give me some advice on what kind of racquet to recommend for an advanced amateur game, at the moment I use a Donic in Carbon and I wanted to upgrade to the Cornilleau 800. Thanks
Take a look at some of the recommendations on my website. I have lot's of useful advice which should help: www.tabletenniscoach.me.uk/table-tennis-equipment/
Ya this happens a lot often with me. Sometimes I think I have topspin on the ball but actual its a normal ball and opponent responds with a banging smash.
Could also be because you're playing with blade+rubber combo that is way too fast for you skill level and you can't master it when you try to put the ball away...
