Ask The Experts: Jon Ebuen, No. 164-A Butterfly Question And Answer

Blade: Butterfly Schlager Aramid Carbon OFF
Forehand: Sriver
Backhand: Sriver FX

Question: Dear Sir / Madam,

Hello:) 1. I have a problem with length of the motion -for “pushing” forward. The difference between for.topspin and counter for.counter is in forward motion and more flat contact(more “pushing”) This light more ” pushing forward ” for counter is make with more pressure with one joint – shoulder forward , forearm forward or wrist forward ? Or this “pushing” work on the same principle like topspin- just more forward motion with more flat contact 2. Тhe amplitude(size of the motion) of rotation of the body with center of gravity (from the moment of contact) is like topspin or for for. counter is less ? Thank you

Answer:

Hi Ilian, Forehand counter depends on what kind of topspin ball is coming to your forehand. I’ll give you few scenarios:

I. If the ball is coming to your forehand with “slow” heavy topspin – to counter this ball you should do the following:

a. Turn your shoulder – to create little back swing
b. Angle of your racket facing down a little
c. When you make contact make sure you spin the ball down to counter the current spin.
d. Longer stroke

II. If the ball is coming to your forehand with “fast” deep topspin – to counter this ball you should do the following:

a. Watch and locate the bounce of the wall
b. Put your racket in front of the ball
c. Spin the ball or counter the ball with a mix of flat-forward-up motion (depending on the spin of the ball).
d. Concentrate on your tight grip and use forearm muscle (brachioradialis) when executing this counter-topspin.
e. Short stroke To summarize – in executing a counter topspin it should depend on what kind of topspin (attack) is coming to you. Slow heavy topspin – long stroke Heavy deep topspin – short stroke

Hope this help and good luck with your table tennis.
Jon Ebuen
New York City Table Tennis Academy

Website / 212.535.3553