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Table Tennis Basic Strokes - The Backhand Topspin Serve

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5 of 9

Contact With the Ball

Photo of Backhand Topspin Serve - Contact With the Ball

Contact With the Ball

(c) 2006 Greg Letts, licensed to About.com, Inc.
The player has contacted the ball.

Points to look for:

  • The player is continuing to watch the ball.
  • As can be seen from the slight blurring of the bat, the bat is moving forwards to hit the ball with a slightly closed bat face, which will put topspin on the ball.
  • The ball is now travelling forwards and downwards.
  • The shoulders are not turning from their position at the end of the backswing.
  • The upper arm is also relatively still, while the playing forearm is moving towards the table. At the same time, the wrist has been snapped forward to add to the spin on the ball.

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  8. Table Tennis Basic Strokes - The Backhand Topspin Serve - Step 5

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