Introduction

A powerful backhand topspin can transform your table tennis game, giving you the ability to dictate rallies, pressure opponents, and create winning opportunities. When executed with maximum spin, the backhand becomes a dynamic weapon capable of taking your play to the next level.

Malte Möregårdh, personal coach to Olympic and World silver medalist Truls Möregårdh, has mastered the art of developing spin-heavy backhands for players at all levels. While he works with some of the best players in the world, Malte’s coaching is highly adaptable. He understands how to tailor techniques to suit every player—whether you’re a beginner, a club enthusiast, or an advanced competitor. His insights help you refine your backhand loop to match your skill level and playing style.

“Mastering the backhand topspin isn’t just about copying what the pros do,” Malte explains.
“It’s about understanding how to implement the stroke in a way that works for you.”

In this blog, Malte shares his proven methods for developing a consistent, spin-heavy backhand. By following his advice—or working with him directly through Smash Coaching—you can elevate your backhand loop and make it one of the most reliable weapons in your game.

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In todays physical table tennis game you need a strong backhand to be ready in the fast game. You need a kind of weapon from both sides if you want to be a more stable player. When your opponent feels that they always need some kind of quality you raise your game directly cause you have a punishment from both sides.

1. The Problem: Inconsistent or Weak Backhand Topspin

Many players struggle to use their backhand as an offensive tool. Whether due to poor technique, lack of confidence, or insufficient practice, the backhand loop often fails to generate the power and spin needed to put opponents under pressure.

Malte identifies several common issues that hold players back:

Contact Point Too Close to the Body

You should really try to find where you have the optimised contact point for control, spin and speed in the ball.

“A lot of players keep the ball too close to their body during the backhand stroke. This limits your ability to generate power and spin because the stroke doesn’t have enough room to flow naturally.”

Flat Contact with the Ball

A frequent mistake is hitting the ball too directly instead of brushing it. Flat contact results in weak shots with little spin, making it easier for opponents to counter.

Rigid Movement

“Some players try to muscle the ball with their arm, forgetting that topspin comes from fluid motion, timing, and finesse. Tension in your wrist or shoulders can kill your spin potential.”

Misaligned Body Mechanics

Players often neglect the role of their legs and hips in generating topspin, relying solely on their upper body. This limits both power and control, making the shot less effective.

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2. Why Backhand Topspin Matters

The backhand topspin is one of the most versatile and impactful strokes in table tennis. When executed with precision and spin, it allows you to take control of rallies, put your opponent on the defensive, and create opportunities to finish points.

“A powerful backhand topspin puts you in control,” Malte explains.
“It forces your opponent to adapt, giving you the upper hand in rallies.”

When you master maximum spin, you unlock the ability to vary your spin across a much larger range. This enhanced spin range means you can:

• Deliver high-spin shots that force errors or soft returns.
• Reduce spin strategically to create deception and disrupt your opponent’s rhythm.
• Transition seamlessly between heavy and light spin, keeping your opponent guessing.

“When your maximum spin potential increases, your total spin range expands. This makes you less predictable and turns your backhand into a true weapon.”

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3. Building Maximum Backhand Topspin: Malte’s Approach

Malte’s coaching philosophy revolves around simple, actionable steps to help players develop a spin-heavy, offensive backhand loop. He adapts these techniques to suit players at every level, ensuring that the backhand becomes a natural part of their game.

Perfect the Contact Point

Keep the ball just outside the line of your body, roughly at arm’s length. This gives you more freedom to execute a full, smooth stroke. Players who hit too close to their body often jam their strokes, limiting spin.

Engage Your Legs and Hips

Backhand topspin isn’t just about your wrist or arm—it’s powered by your entire body. Start with your weight on your right leg (for right-handed players) and shift it to your left as you brush the ball. Rotate your hips to guide the stroke, allowing your upper body to follow naturally. This creates fluidity and synchronizes your motion.

Master the Brushing Motion

Instead of hitting the ball flat, focus on brushing it. Thin contact with the ball’s surface creates the topspin needed to trouble opponents. Keep your wrist loose and let your forearm drive the motion for better spin.

Use the Correct Racket Angle

Begin with an open racket angle to lift the ball and add spin. Once comfortable, experiment with slightly more closed angles for sharper placement and improved control.

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4. Practical Drills to Develop Backhand Topspin

High Ball Looping Drill
Purpose: Build confidence and consistency with backhand topspin by starting with high, easy balls.

• Begin with a high, no-spin ball and focus on brushing the ball’s surface with an open racket angle.
• Gradually lower the ball height as your control improves.

Spin vs. Spin Drill
Purpose: Train your ability to counter heavy topspin with your own spin.

• Partner with a robot or a training partner delivering heavy topspin balls.
• Focus on brushing the ball at the peak of its bounce while engaging your legs and forearm.

Alternating Backhand Drill
Purpose: Improve adaptability and spin control.

• Alternate between short backhand strokes with light topspin and full backhand loops with heavy topspin.

Two-Step Progression Drill

• Step 1: Practice rallying with only your backhand, focusing on spin consistency and control.
• Step 2: Incorporate footwork to ensure movement doesn’t compromise stroke mechanics.

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5. A Real-Life Success Story

Malte recalls working with a player who struggled to use their backhand loop effectively:

“This player had a flat, inconsistent backhand that wasn’t creating any spin or pressure. His strokes were too close to his body, and he wasn’t using his legs effectively. We started with slow, high loops to teach the brushing motion and weight transfer. Over time, his backhand became a reliable weapon. Opponents now struggle to handle the rotation and power he generates.”

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6. Technical Tips for Backhand Topspin Mastery

Practise different ways to hit the ball, you should be able to play the ball on different points and heights. When you understand the ”real” speed of the ball for the opponent you can take the right decision. Play with the most spin and power you can or steal the opponents time while taking the ball directly after bounce.

• Slightly moving your thumb up the handle during backhand strokes can improve control and enhance the brushing motion.
• Hit the ball at the top of its bounce for maximum spin and power.
• Tension kills topspin. Keep your shoulders, arm, and wrist loose to allow for fluid motion.
• Focus on creating consistent spin before adding power. Confidence in your stroke will naturally lead to more aggressive shots.

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7. What to Expect and How Long It Takes

Developing a powerful backhand topspin takes time, but players often notice improvements quickly.

“Once players understand how to brush the ball properly, they feel the difference in just one session. But for long-term consistency and power, weeks or months of focused practice are essential. The payoff is a reliable, game-changing weapon.”

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8. Take Action Today

Malte challenges players to start their backhand transformation:

• Practice brushing the ball with a loose wrist and open racket angle.
• Work on drills that emphasize leg engagement, weight transfer, and timing.
• Gradually increase difficulty by incorporating footwork and alternating spins.

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Work with Malte Möregårdh to Perfect Your Backhand

Whether you’re just starting out or competing at an advanced level, Malte Möregårdh’s adaptable coaching style ensures you’ll receive personalized guidance tailored to your needs. By signing up for Smash Coaching, you’ll refine your backhand topspin and gain access to world-class expertise.

Looking for a different perspective? Smash Coaching’s team of top coaches offers a variety of approaches to fit your style and goals.

Sign up today and make your backhand topspin the highlight of your game!