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Table Tennis/ Ping-Pong Basic Strokes - Forehand Lob Against Smash

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5 of 9

Contact With the Ball

Photo of Forehand Lob Against a Smash - Front View

Contact With the Ball

© 2007 Greg Letts, licensed to About.com, Inc.
The player has made contact with the ball.

Points to look for:

  • The player has watched the point of contact with the ball closely.
  • The angle of the bat is roughly vertical. For defensive lobs the bat would be a little open, while for offensive lobs the bat would be a little closed.
  • The hips, waist and shoulders have begun to turn forwards again.
  • The knees and torso are beginning to straighten, which adds to the amount of lift given to the ball.
  • The forearm and bat are moving faster than the shoulders, as shown by the slight blurring in the photograph.
  • If the ball was compared to a clockface, the bat has made contact at a point roughly around the number 3, while the bat was moving upwards and forwards. Note that the angle of the bat remains at around vertical.
  • The amount of spin put on the ball will vary, depending on the circumstances. Most lobs will vary from light-medium to heavy topspin. Lobs without any spin can tend to drift a little sideways in flight, while topspin lobs tend to keep to a straighter line.

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