FH issue: i dun wanna smash no moar, i wanna spin moar. help!

[Gozo Zyreruna]

1. sigh…. hate to come asking for help. Chatgpt has failed me this time.

2. My bh is now functional, as I have been concentrating on it for the past six months or so to the detriment of fh.

3. BH has now become a weapon unto itself and I am pleased with it.

4. What I am not pleased is my fh, it has regressed. When I drive = overshoot. If I were to Loop = slow & spinny = counter loop magnet.

5. My opponent said, Gozo, your loop is like a gift to me.

6. What should I do? How do I rebuild me fh to functional again. I wanna be no more HULK SMASH, I want more spin. Preferably like Timo Boll.

PS: I have not been using Z03 for some time already. Been using BTY Falcima ( five ply all wood ) with Donic Acuda S1 both side. So it is not equipment issue.

 

[Archosaurus]

I think it's not really possible to offer specific advice unless you post some video and specify what part you're talking about.

 

[Tom Lodziak]

I like to call this the 'curse of the flat hitter'. I come across it a lot in coaching sessions and it can be a challenge to fix.

The problem I see often...

- Some players have very strong flat hits. If these flat hit lands, they have a very good chance of winning a point outright, but it is inconsistent. Flat hitters have good days (everything seems to go on) and bad days (everything misses).
- To improve consistency, a flat hitter tries to change to a topspin technique, but starts off at a very controlled pace to try and get the technique right.
- In a match situation, a very controlled topspin is really not very effective and easily returned and counter attacked by an opponent.
- When the flat hitter realises his new controlled topspin is not winning points, he reverts back to flat hitting.

From my reading of your situation, you are stuck in the middle stage. You have committed to changing your flat hitting style (which is great), but your new topspin isn't proving effective.

So here's the truth. A FH topspin attack is only superior to a flat hit, if it is done with either plenty of speed or plenty of spin (and good placement). A 'nice' mid-paced topspin is largely ineffective as an attacking weapon. It will get the ball on the table, but it's not going to put your opponent under huge amounts of pressure.

So your long term goal will be to develop a faster FH topspin, something which is capable of winning a point outright (like your flat hit). This does take time. It could take a few months. it could take 2-3 years. It depends how much effort you put into developing the technique.

You are at the 'controlled topspin', stage of making the transition. It's a necessary step, as it's hard to go from zero to 100% straight away. When changing technique you have to start in a more controlled way and gradually build it up. This is the next stage for you. You have to start adding more speed / spin to the forehand topspin, whilst maintaining your shape and consistency. Aim to add 10% more speed, then if it's working, another 10%. You keep gradually increasing the speed / spin until you can consistently win points with the shot. Then you will have less desire to flat hit as your topspin attack will be able to win points outright and will be more consistent.

I'd be happy to help you with any technique challenge you have with your shot. Either post a video here of your current topspin technique or message me privately and we can discuss joining my online academy where I can give your more support.