Clarifying Thought Abut Paddle Positions

 I wanted to add a thought to the prior post.  

When you are going to hit a shot, not a smash or lob, then you have to hit the ball below its equator.  

When you do this the leading edge of the paddle, which is the edge closer to the ground, must lead the top edge into the impact area  -- another way of saying the paddle has to be "open."  Think of a spoon dipping into soup, you need to get into the soup, or under the ball, to orient the paddle to hit the proper spot on the ball.  

This is true for both top and cut spins and side spins.  It's not required for all flat shots or shots you will hit down into the court, but if you hit the shot into the net, then you should have gotten under the ball a bit.