how to deal with high topspin balls to the deep BH

For some reason I have the reverse problem that most ppl have. The arena I play in has almost no place to FH pivot properly (the barriers are literally in the way of the feet!), so I am forced to use BH for these balls but it's a pain in the ass to attack these. My BH is very good against low-ish balls and I'm confident on dealing with those balls, but when it's high, deep and especially if there's topspin on it which jumps on me, it really messes up my stroke ngl - if it's underspin at least the ball slows down and I can get a good look at the ball and usually the BH loopkill goes in. I know everyone is saying to just use the FH to finish off these balls but if you had to use your BH what are the things you would look for? 

dingyibvs wrote: blahness wrote: For some reason I have the reverse problem that most ppl have. The arena I play in has almost no place to FH pivot properly (the barriers are literally in the way of the feet!), so I am forced to use BH for these balls but it's a pain in the ass to attack these. My BH is very good against low-ish balls and I'm confident on dealing with those balls, but when it's high, deep and especially if there's topspin on it which jumps on me, it really messes up my stroke ngl - if it's underspin at least the ball slows down and I can get a good look at the ball and usually the BH loopkill goes in. I know everyone is saying to just use the FH to finish off these balls but if you had to use your BH what are the things you would look for?  You can punch it back. Catch the ball around the top of the bounce (need to step in or out depending on the depth of the incoming ball), lean in with your body and punch it with a fairly compact motion. I've been practicing this shot. Adjust the racket angle and timing and it's pretty effective for both topspins and high backspins that have a shallow bounce. There are a few things I found to be important and may not be very obvious during my practices.  1) You can't rush the shot. To me it's a bit easier when it's just falling but near the top of the bounce is all fine.  2) There's almost no backswing. Just approach the ball with a flexed arm and an open racket face and punch hard. 3) Your footwork needs to be on point. If the ball is deep and you don't have space to lean in, or if the ball is too shallow and your arm can't be flexed when approaching the ball (i.e. you have to reach for the ball) then consistency dramatically decreases.  4) While it's mostly a punch, there's a small component of brushing. It's not a full on BH smash.  5) You don't accelerate until you're almost touching the ball.

Edited by blahness - 01/26/2023 at 8:55pm

Valiantsin wrote: Without video of your BH it's hard to guess

GeneralSpecific wrote: If you're good enough, do this.

longrange wrote: blahness wrote: For some reason I have the reverse problem that most ppl have. The arena I play in has almost no place to FH pivot properly (the barriers are literally in the way of the feet!), so I am forced to use BH for these balls but it's a pain in the ass to attack these. My BH is very good against low-ish balls and I'm confident on dealing with those balls, but when it's high, deep and especially if there's topspin on it which jumps on me, it really messes up my stroke ngl - if it's underspin at least the ball slows down and I can get a good look at the ball and usually the BH loopkill goes in. I know everyone is saying to just use the FH to finish off these balls but if you had to use your BH what are the things you would look for?  It's simply backhand smash for me, but I'm tall. You gain more stability using FH-grip.

Edited by blahness - 01/27/2023 at 6:54am

pingpongpaddy wrote: with practice its possible to block off the bounce. as you get used to it you can punch through a bit. Its better to play off the bounce because you will also have the option of soft block (make it bounce twice) and punch. Letting the ball rise gives opponent time which is a no no Patience and you will master it!