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What is Backspin (underspin) in Table Tennis?

Reverse rotation, produced by chopping or pushing under the ball. Backspin makes the ball float and drop into the net off a careless return — the opposite correction to topspin — and is the foundation of defensive play.

Example: The serve was loaded with backspin, and the flat return dropped straight into the net.

Related terms

LoopTopspinSidespinPushChopBlockSmash (kill)Flick (flip)
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