Where to Hit the Ball?

 If we disregard the overhead and smashes, where on the ball should the paddle make its impact?  Let's think of the ball as a globe, with the south pole at the bottom, equator is straight on, parallel to the court surface.

The answer is you must hit the ball below the equator, and for some shots, short dinks for example, you want to strike the ball near the south pole. 

If you play some billiards, you might think about catching the ball a bit right or left of its vertical line.  That will add some side spin depending on the paddle swing path.

Always hit the ball below the equator.  If you swing low to high you'll get top spin.  Swinging high to low yet still hitting low on the ball will create slice / backspin / English.  As your hit moves to the side, you'll be able to get spins at a mix of top, slice and side spin.

Any ball that comes at you during a ground stroke has to be elevated above the net.  Hitting the ball on its bottom does some of that.  If you are returning a slice shot, this is vital too, you have some lifting to do and have to hit lower on the ball for those shots.

If you get a ball over the net, then you are already doing this.  Errors occur as the impact starts to climb too close to the equator line.  Net balls and out balls occur from that error.  Out balls, since you have to hit the ball pretty hard to get it over the net and there typically will be little spin;  a good ball to duck if you are defending! 

It's rare to get too low on the ball, but trying to hit a soft cut shot can cause this.  As you get lower on the ball, the less efficient the hit will be, slower speed, etc. 

Finally the paddle orientation is important here too.  If the paddle is too open (pointing skyward), then you can generate a pop up.  Not open enough and the shot is too flat and can go long or into the net.

All shots have to be hit with a paddle that is open to some degree.  For that reason the grip you use is vital for consistency.  Note that backhand and forehand are the same, thus the grip that angles the paddle the same for both shots is easier to use.

 

Smashes and "swats" have to be hit down into the court, so the impact point climbs above the equator.  Side spin stuff will still apply, so there are areas to explore there too.