Philip Samuel asked 2 years ago
Tom with your excellent book SPIN, which I keep referring to regularly, I go back to basics every now to revisit key principles. As I am working mastering the transition from one stroke to another, I am seeking clarification on that section. (BTW it is an excellent resource as it takes one to the important level of playing the game, rather than just strokes and technique. And in conjunction with your video lessons this is an unbeatable resource to have.)
The one that says Topspin vs backspin > topspin vs block is clear, and I can set my robot accordingly or ask my training partner. In fact, am working on this at the moment.
Am I correct with the following?
Push>block Partner/robot sends drive, then fast topspin
Push>topspin Approximately similar to above
Block>topspin Partner/robot send moderately fast drive with topspin
Flick>topspin Either against short backspin serves, or short backspin return
Lob>counter loop Against moderate to heavy backspin serve or shot
Topspin>smash Against backspin ball followed by high return (top or backspin)
Thanks again Tom
Philip
Tom Lodziak Staff answered 2 years ago
Mastering the transitions between different strokes is a really important part of table tennis. I don’t think people do this enough. So it’s great you are trying to improve this aspect of your game. With the transitions you highlight, this is what you need to work on…
Push>block … Partner serves backspin, you push, your partner topspins, you block
Push>topspin … Partner serves backspin, you push, your partner pushes, you topspin
Block>topspin … Partner plays topspin, you block, your partner blocks, you topspin
Flick>topspin … Partner serves backspin, you flick, partner blocks and you topspin
Lob>counter loop … You move back from the table. Your partner topspins. You lob the ball high. You partner hits a medium smash. You counter topspin away from the table.
Topspin>smash … Your partner serves long backspin, you topspin, the ball is blocked back high, you smash
These are just a few examples. You could practice the transitions in many other ways. It doesn’t really matter how you do it, as long as you are practising switching from one shot to another shot.
The key skills you are developing are controlling the bat angle, swing trajectory, acceleration and control of all your strokes. All these transitions can also be practiced with your robot.