Topspin dives and kicks forward, so take it a little earlier and keep your paddle face slightly closed. Backspin floats and stays low, so get lower and open the face a touch. Sidespin kicks in the direction of the spin, so watch the server's paddle path.
The best cue is the ball's flight: a topspin ball dips late; a backspin ball hangs.
Keys to remember
- Watch the paddle face at contact
- Adjust face angle, not swing size
- Get low for backspin, early for topspin