Backhand Counter Topspin in Table Tennis
Layla Sun (Translated by Kyra Tsen)
In table tennis, many people find it challenging to hit a backhand stroke, especially when trying to increase the power of the shot. The contact point of hitting a backhand stroke is closer to the body and has limited space for hitting, which makes it more restricted than hitting a forehand stroke. Moreover, the backhand stroke is executed with a backward and outward movement (back of the hand facing forward), while the forehand technique is executed with a forward and inward movement (palm facing forward). As a result, the overall power of the backhand stroke is generally weaker than that of the forehand stroke.
However, the backhand counter has become increasingly important in modern table tennis, and players tend to send the ball to the backhand side to prevent opponents from using powerful forehand attacks during fast rallies. Therefore, if you play both wings well, you gain a huge advantage.
Have you seen the different backhand techniques of top players? Despite the similar-looking movements, the feeling of hitting can vary significantly.
When it comes to backhand rallies, most of the strokes are topspin unless the opponent has a long-pimpled or chop-style playing style. In topspin rallies, the backhand wing can come in several variations, including Backhand Drive, Backhand Smash, Backhand Loop, Backhand Counter Topspin, Backhand Block, etc.
This article will focus on a commonly used technique recently, the "Backhand Counter Topspin", which I personally think is an enchanting technique.
💡To develop the backhand counter topspin technique, players can follow this sequence: Backhand Drive → Backhand Loop → Backhand Counter Topspin.
Let’s begin!
Backhand Drive
The backhand drive is a fundamental offensive technique with a small amount of topspin. When first learning the technique, beginners should aim to strike the ball with the contact point above the height of the net. During the stroke, the wrist and racket should remain stationary without rotation. As players become more skilled, they can incorporate a slight upward movement of the wrist and racket, which adds friction and increases stability, speed, and variability of spin. The contact point is at net height. The backhand drive is considered as a starting point for developing the sense of generating friction in backhand, and it also serves as the foundation for more advanced backhand topspin shots.
To learn how to perfect the backhand drive, refer to our previous article: The Backhand Drive in Table Tennis.
Backhand Loop
The backhand loop is like an extension of the backhand drive that involves greater friction on the ball to lengthen the ball's contact with the racket and create a trajectory that allows the ball to pass over the net. However, excessive friction can also cause the ball to slow down. The loop shot is effective against opponents who have difficulty dealing with heavy topspin, such as pimple players. It is best to focus on adding friction and using more heavy topspin shots to make them feel uncomfortable.
As the backhand loop technique mainly relies on friction to create spin and produce a larger parabolic trajectory, it also requires a larger body movement.
For the backhand loop, players should aim to contact the ball at the upper-middle part of the racket, between the 1 and 2 o'clock positions on a clock face, as shown in the figure below.
Watch Zhang Jike demonstrate the backhand loop technique.
Backhand Counter Topspin
The backhand counter topspin is a technique very similar to the backhand loop, but primarily used close to the table. By generating more friction on the ball, the player can increase the speed and spin of the shot. This shot takes advantage of the speed and spin of the opponent's shot to propel the ball back at high speed and put them under pressure in the rally. To execute the shot, players quickly snap the wrist and brush over the ball, akin to tearing a piece of paper.
Backhand Counter Topspin Breakdown
Chinese player | Chen Meng (2020 Olympics Women's Singles Champion) Here are the key points of the backhand counter topspin, divided into four parts. The following explanation applies to right-handed players, while left-handed players can do the opposite.
1. The Stance (Ready Position)
Move to the position based on the ball approaching and stay close to the table (Figure 1-1). The center of gravity should be slightly higher than when playing backhand loop against backspin. As the ball approaches, lower your center of gravity and use a short backswing (Figure 1-2). Keep the elbow slightly raised and use the elbow as the axis of rotation and cock the wrist back. The inward flexion of the wrist when making a backswing creates more hitting space for the backhand, which allows more complete force to be fully utilized. Keep the backhand side of the racket closed (Figure 1-3). Maintaining a relatively high center of gravity allows you to transition more quickly.
2. The Strike
Use more abdominal strength to generate power for the backhand counter topspin. Shift your weight from the left to the right leg and mainly use your left leg to generate power. Hit the ball with the upper-middle to top part of the racket when the ball is rising, with the contact point in front of the chest (as shown in Figure 1-4). Grip the racket tightly, using the thumb and back of the hand to stabilize the racket and control the spin of the ball. Use the power of the forearm rotation and finger adjustment to fine-tune the shot. To ensure good quality of the shot, the friction area of the backhand counter topspin should be relatively high and the force should be applied forward.
3. Follow Through
While more force is applied forward, move the racket naturally forward and stop in front of your body (as shown in Figure 1-5). Make sure to snap through with your wrist and extend your wrist as much as is comfortable or natural. This will also add extra topspin.
4. The Finish & Recovery
Control the range of the swing so that you can quickly recover and prepare for the next shot.
Watch Chen Meng's backhand counter topspin technique used during a rally.
Backhand Counter Topspin Technique
Chinese player | Chen Meng vs. Liu Shiwen
The backhand counter topspin technique is an effective way for players to make quick attacks close to the table. When executing the technique, players must have precise control of their strength and hit the ball at an optimal distance for generating power. This is usually close to the table, as hitting the ball while retreating from the table can reduce the player's speed and power.
Retreating from the table is typically done only when a player is forced to, such as when the opponent hits a high-quality shot or manipulates the ball during a rally that the player is out of position. Another situation where a player may retreat from the table is when they try to actively attack but fail to score, leaving an opening for the opponent to counterattack.
🔔The Secret of Using the Fingers
The backhand counter topspin technique involves generating high speed and spin. The ratio of "impact" and "friction" determines the ball's speed and trajectory, and players must be extremely precise in controlling their power during the moment of impact. This technique requires high sensitivity to adjust for both friction and impact on the hand, with the key elements lying in the subtle movements of the fingers.
