FH Drive technique question

[spin88]

Stiga has these great training videos featuring China National Team. One of which is on Forehand Drive technique :

The narrator's instruction is that :
"when driving against back-spin ball one should use more hitting action,
whereas against top-spin ball should use more rubbing action."

This seem counter to my perception so far as, I am still learning how to effectively loop drive incoming long ball at the exact reversed
order !

Seeking advice from experienced players on the forum. Thanks !

 

[Der_Echte]

There are a few ways to topspin an incoming underspin ball. One way is to use the spin and continue it for a slow, but loaded heavy topspin. This is a very safe topspin and the one you see many pros do against a chop that they do not want to all out speed attack. Another way is to open the blade and hit forward with much more solid contact. This is the one you are describing.

Some key points...

- anticipate and be in position. Since it is an underspin, you have more time, use it to get into position and prepare your stance.

- Get low and ready for the bal when you are in position.

- Explode forward using legs and waist for creating power and explode through the ball with a more open bat making very solid contact.

- Against heavier underspin, make your followthrough more upwards. You can adjust with blade angle, also, but it is simpler to make a higher follow through against the heavier balls.

Remember, this is a full force finishing shot or a shot that applies a lot of pressure. Do NOT go half hearted on this shot, it must be an explosive shot using the entire body for control and power. You are making solid contact and are transferring the energy to mostly speed, but you are also making good spin. Do NOT drop your shoulder way down, this will make you swing upwards too much and make it very difficult to create a speed drive with any control and landing percentage. Only if you have excellent feel and touch can you make a 50% swing and land it. That is a real advanced shot to take off power and land it, that shot also is a way to kill the spin and give the opponent a "change-Up" variation. use the speed drive as your way to finish or apply pressure on those chops that are a little too high. Smashing a high chop is pretty much the same technique with more force.

Remember... Heavy slow topsin is shoulder down, swing upwards, finish upwards. Speed drive is get low, explode forward, open the blade, hit through the ball, finish upwards (less for lighter balls and more for heavier balls)

 

[Der_Echte]

What he is talking about incoming topspin... you have to close your blade against incoming topspin ball and that uses less direct hitting contact. That is where he is saying there is more rubbing contact. If you open your blade against a strong topspin and try to hit through it, the ball will go to the ceiling. Against those balls you swing more forward and close the blade, more so for heavier topspin. That all changes if you hit the ball when it is dropping, but it is better to hit an incoming topspin ball at top of bounce or earlier. Even if one waits "too long" still, if you can land the ball effectively with a high percentage, who is going to sweat the small stuff? However, if one can learn to instinctively move up and take the ball earlier and still land it, that shot applies a LOT more pressure than the one where you wait.

 

[Der_Echte]

Another thing to note that should be obvious, if you are stepping around the BH corner to hit one of these chops, be sure to step around ALL THE WAY. This gives you the position and leverage to hit the ball anywhere with power and control. You do a half-step around and try to hit for power, you are going to make your opponent giggle while he keeps adding points to his score and make you pay for all the pints at the pub afterwards.

 

[spin88]

Thank you very much for the detail explanation and advice !