How to Play Table Tennis: Quick Tips for Forehand Topspin and Backhand Block (ESSENTIAL SKILLS!)
Training with Coach Gary Fraiman, Page Harris, and guest-star Alex.
ASSIGNMENT: Forehand topspin down-line to backhand block…
Lesson Notes: In this video, we demonstrate backhand blocks vs forehand topspin. This drill lets both players get a chance to block and spin.
Coach’s Tips:
– “Practice what you’re going to do in a game…
– “It’s not just practice, have a purpose.”
Additional suggestions:
– Keep your non-playing arm up for balance.
– Footwork is important to get in position to play strong shots. The distance between you and the ball should be consistent.
– Stance: For right-handers, put left leg slightly ahead of right. Be ready with knees bent (Opp. for lefties).
Forehand Topspin:
– To play forehand down the line (parallel), your weight should be forward and body more open to that side.
– Transfer your weight from right to left as you contact the ball. Play forward and towards the backhand side.
– Use weight transfer to jumpstart arm and forearm acceleration. Aim for maximum acceleration and speed at contact.
Backhand blocks:
– Blocks are relatively short strokes.
– Try to play them in front of your body and contact the ball early.
– Your wrist should be firm and racket angle depends on the amount of incoming spin. More spin = more closed (racket face down).
– Contact the top of the ball to contain the topspin.
– Use your thumb to apply pressure on your racket and increase your feeling of the ball.
– Stay light on your feet and make slight adjustments, even when you don’t have to move far.
– Keep your body weight forward.
Common mistakes:
– Moving away from the table or falling back.
– Racket face too open (angled up) or loose wrist.
– Reaching or jumping instead of moving into place.
What other techniques would you be interested in seeing?
Is there anything you do differently?
Thank you to Alex for helping us with these training videos.
Visit Coach Gary Fraiman’s website here: https://www.tabletennisbygary.com/
Check out Sunrise Table Tennis Club: https://sunrisetabletennis.com/
[Timestamps]
00:00 Start
00:06 Drill 1: ASSIGNMENT: Forehand topspin down-line to backhand block
01:21 SWITCH: Now Alex spins
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