Backhand Counter

The next stroke to develop is the backhand counter. I will describe two ways of doing this stroke as technique for this stroke has changed in recent years. My first description will be the traditional method as show n in Photo 12. The traditional method incorporates a backsw ing, for ward sw ing, and follow through. The stance is almost square to the table. The traditional method would be favored for backhand oriented players.

This stroke starts the same as the backhand block. Your stance and position to the table are the same. Contact the ball as it is rising just before the top of its bounce about 1 to 11⁄2 feet in front of you. Unlike the block, which is executed w ith a relatively still racket, the backhand counter has a small backsw ing and a longer follow through. Do this by pulling the racket back towards the left hip and then pushing it for ward and slightly upward, keeping the correct racket angle throughout the stroke. Please note that with the traditional stroke, the backswing takes the racket back to where it is about even with the elbow.

This stroke is done primarily with the forearm. The elbow and upper arm remain relatively stable and the forearm pivots around the elbow. Hold the racket slightly below the height of the ball at the beginning of the stroke and let it end just above the height of the ball at the finish. An indication of a complete stroke is the tip of the racket pointing forward or even slightly to the right (for right-handers) at the end of the stroke. Keep your wrist held in the down position and do not let it flop back and forth.

The second way to perform a backhand counter is what I call the modern backhand (see Photo 12A below). It has evolved to become a very efficient stroke. There is almost no backswing at all—it is primarily a forward motion. Also, it is executed from a forehand stance; hence, it provides a quick transition from one side to the other and leaves the player in a foot position perfect for using the favored forehand.

Another advantage is that the start of the stroke is very similar to the ideal position for the backhand block. Therefore, the player has the option of controlling the shot with a block, or at the last second, extending the stroke for ward to add more pace and power. The modern stroke would be favored by forehand- oriented players or quick attack players needing a speedy forehand to back hand transition.

The modern backhand counter starts by pulling the racket over to the left. It is not taken back very much at all. The racket is always kept well in front of the elbow. As the ball bounces off the table, the racket is pressed forward primarily by pulling the elbow in while at the same time turning the knuckles of the hand down. This results in the racket "flopping" over the top of the ball, producing topspin and forward speed. The follow through continues after contact primarily by straightening the arm out in a forward direction.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the traditional and modern strokes is the weight shift. The traditional stroke shifts weight from the left leg to the right leg; whereas, the modern stroke transfers weight from right to left. With the modern stroke, the weight shift will always be from right to left for both forehand and backhand, enabling a faster transition time for the modern stroke.

So which backhand counter stroke should you choose? My advice is to carefully consider your style and goals. If you predominately win points with your forehand, then the modern backhand is the obvious choice. If your ultimate goal is to compete at the national or international levels, then the modern backhand is essential. On the other hand, if you only desire to compete recreationally and/or you win the majority of points with your backhand, the traditional backhand is the way to go.

Unfortunately, the photo of the modern backhand is difficult to understand. Due to the camera angle, it is impossible to see the forward motion or acceleration changes of the racket. Also there is only one image of the ball, so it is harder to ascertain the correct timing of the stroke in relation to the flight of the ball.


Lesson 12: Backhand Counter With No Foot Movement

Develop a backhand counter following the same procedure as all the other strokes. First, at low speed and frequency crosscourt, then down-the-line, and finally alternating crosscourt and down-the-line. Gradually build up the ball speed and ball frequency until you have reached your upper limits. As you turn up the ball frequency and/or speed, remember to do a complete stroke. Do not turn up the speed or frequency to the point that you start shortening your stroke. Your goal for each phase of this lesson is 25 consecutive counters in each direction.



Lesson 13: Backhand Counter With Foot Movement

Start with the ball moving randomly at slow speed within your backhand court (sweep control levers at the number 1 and 4 positions for right-handers, 3 and 6 for left-handers), then at maximum speed. Remember not to reach for the ball with your arm, but rather move your feet so you are squarely in front of the ball before you stroke it.

Lesson 14: Combining Backhand Counter With Backhand Block

Just like Lesson 9, it is important to learn a smooth transition from block to counter. When the opponent hits a powerful shot, and/or you are in a less than ideal position, the block is the correct answer in almost all cases. When you're in good position and your opponent gives you a slow to medium shot, the counter is normally the better stroke to choose. If you get an easy ball to your backhand, step out and smash it with your forehand as you learned in Lesson 8. Although a backhand smash can certainly be learned and is a common stroke, I will .not discuss it in this manual, which deals with basic skills.

To practice strengthening these two strokes and reduce the transitional time it takes to go from one stroke to the next, do the following drill. Set your robot to deliver a medium speed, medium height topspin ball to the middle of your backhand court. Alternate one backhand block with one backhand counter until the transition from one to the other feels smooth and effortless. Keep alternating from block to counter and back to block for approximately 5 minutes. Do this drill often and concentrate on keeping the contact point and racket angle the same with each of these strokes. The transition from one stroke to the next should feel smooth and almost like you’re practicing one stroke instead of two different ones. The length of the stroke and the amount of power you are generating should be the primary differences between these two strokes.