Stop making these backhand topspin errors

Many players - myself included - find it challenging to play a consistent backhand topspin vs backspin. It is quite a complex stroke, with many opportunities to go wrong!
In this video I examine some common errors players make when doing backhand topspin vs backspin - and explain how to correct these errors.
I also share some examples of players who play backhand topspin vs backspin very well, so we can all learn from them.
This video is sponsored by Bribar Table Tennis. If you need any table tennis equipment, then go to the Bribar Table Tennis website: bribartt.co.uk/?ref=8204
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[@TomLodziak]

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[@fergieweather]

Cheers Tom! One additional error, highlighted in my own case when starting to learn this stroke (under Emma's coaching), is a tendency to use a wrist flicking motion *almost in isolation* as opposed to rotation from the elbow as primary mechanism (wrist 'frisbee' flick only ending that motion). In effect, I was almost replicating a backhand flick...from the end of the table! Emma spotted that error & we will refocus on correct elbow rotation. Others may make the same mistake - especially if also working on mastering BH flick!

[@divinentd]

I can't find it now, but I recently saw a video about using your accidental technique, a backhand flick against a long ball, for returning serve. The video (maybe PingSunday?) observed high-level players switching to this technique because there isn't enough time to do the full stroke when returning a long serve, which is typically a surprise tactic.

[@fergieweather]

@@divinentd interesting - thanks for this! I was obtaining fair accuracy and pace on my incorrect technique (!) but have re-focused for proper use of elbow *and* finishing with wrist flick...I'll search for the video you mention. Cheers! 🙂

[@TomLodziak]

Yes, I'm guilty of this one too. Great that you are getting some coaching with Emma. I spoke to her recently and she said that you are improving a lot!

[@maddean3893]

Excellent as always. But imho your own swing after the topspin is to long but upwards. However, I have learned and teach that at the very end of the stroke the bat should be in the same position as handheld mirror. For self control just stop and look in the mirror. Usually that works pretty well and everyone knows where to stop or what to look for.

[@karthikeyangp7902]

@Tomlodziak table tennis informative videos + a good daily table tennis practice = product ( better player )👍🏼💪🏼🏓

[@marsvinbob]

Tom, thanks lot!! you are the best!!!

[@johnroskos2981]

Excellent instructional video

[@jornpaulini3920]

The slow motion studies from good players are really very helpful - thanks!

[@rituranjandixit4375]

U r wonderful sir helping us a lot ❤❤

[@yagzyalcntas553]

I tried to mimick Liam's motion I also watched the video "me vs pro" and boy I generate some power with my backhand... :D

[@anothertime]

Lifting the ball can be quite useful if there is heavy backspin and you're not quite sure you can overcome it. Basically an attack shot using their spin to bring the ball down.

[@janredbayonito9455]

I don't know if this is gonna help but for me imagine like you're throwing a card while being in backhand position

[@tehnodor]

thanks! great video! one thing to mention as well would be where the hand movement ends. as in the example with the coaches the better you get the shorter the arm movement is. it's not necessary to end all the way to the right (if you're right handed)

[@TomLodziak]

Yes, that's true. And Liam Pitchford's arm movement is really quite minimal. He generates tremendous speed with his wrist action. Whereas my arm movement is much larger.

[@xxx0ox0]

Funny i just watched a video of yours from 5 years ago on this topic, it was labeled more directly. Im curious on how people think of this shot differently than their loop.

[@vincentpicot7419]

Wait for the ball to pass the end line. Good piece of advice

[@Djellowman]

Thankfully I don't make these mistakes, but i struggle hitting very high balls with backhand topspin, or smashing them with backhand. Any tips for how to exploit high contra balls on your backhand side?

[@bhloop]

If you have time, step around and hit forehand. High backhands are naturally awkward. I'm backhand dominant and my coach had me attacking bh from most of the table. The ONLY time he didn't want me attacking backhand from bh side was against high balls. ONLY time he wanted me hitting forehand from bh side. Best of luck!!

[@flyingbanana2560]

The only good way to attack very high balls on your backhand is to pivot to your forehand, but you have to be very quick, otherwise you're not gonna make it and miss.

[@Djellowman]

thanks guys, appreciate it! that's what i've been doing if i have time. when i don't have the time to pivot, i feel like i still have to make it work with the backhand, but perhaps it's better to wait for the ball to come into regular looping height rather than trying to smash it.

[@backspacer92]

If it's not loaded with backspin wait it for to come down and whip through it (wrist + arm). You need to make sure the trajectory of the ball goes down and not up. Let someone feed you high balls and try it to get used to it.

[@kasianchik1]

Дякую за чудовий урок!!!!

[@mikecrowther6552]

Hi Tom ,a big thankyou for all your great videos.This video was very helpful, but I feel that you missed an important point ,which was thumb pressure/placement/change of grip. Many of the instructional videos on backhand loop/loopdrive (I've watched dozens) fail to address this point. When you watch Pitchford,Ovtcharov,Chuquin and other players with world class backhands, it is obvious that this change of grip is crucial to their success.By changing the emphasis on their thumb pressure/placement, it allows them to close their bat angle and brush the ball more effectively, which is especially important when trying to lift backspin.Of course this is only one component of the shot, but in my own experience my backhand has improved further by changing my grip slightly and moving my thumb up on the bat.Hope this was helpful. Mike Crowther- Waiheke Island, New Zealand

[@TomLodziak]

That's a good point. Some players do alter the thumb position and if that helps you play better topspins, then absolutely fine.

[@johnmathew7429]

i had a very good backhand topsin against backspin for a few days..nice grip and speed on the ball...went on break for a week and couldnt replicate the same ever since 😅😅

[@simonwalker8394]

Tom, can you recommend a good Bribar bat for good spinning shots??

[@TomLodziak]

It depends what your budget is, but any of these bats on this link will be very good for generating lots of spin: bribartt.co.uk/product-category/bats/signature-bats/?ref=8204

[@chebkhaled1985]

I'm not contradicting Tom here, in principal he is probably right. In my case, I find when I actually tighten my grip, it gives me a lot more control and venom and stability. So for the sake of science, I would like to ask Tom to do the first footages again. I feel like you tighten the grip but then you don't really swing like you do when your grip is relax

[@TomLodziak]

If you are too tight throughout the stroke, then I can't see how it is possible to generate more spin as the wrist locks up. However, if you start the stroke very relaxed and just squeeze a bit tighter when contacting the ball, then relax again - this can work well for many players.

[@chebkhaled1985]

I think the word "tighten" means different things, for me its putting pressure on the rubber with the the thumb and the index fingers , this doesn't block my wrist, or maybe just a little but it is totally worth it for the control I got

[@yunghanhuang8188]

alright

[@jytan740]

Backhand is a lot about the timing

[@aguapotablees]

Your end movement is much to long. With this movement you are not prepared for the return of your opponent