Calculating angle needed to return spin

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In summary, it is theoretically possible to use calculus to find the angle needed to return a ping pong ball with a certain spin in table tennis. However, there are many variables such as rubber properties, table surface, and ball friction that make it difficult to accurately calculate. In practical play, adjusting the angle of the racket face and the stroke motion can also affect the speed and spin of the returned ball.
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Eggroll451
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In the case of table tennis, would you be able to use calculus to find the angle needed to return a ping pong ball with a certain spin. So if a ping pong ball is hit at you with a top spin, what minimum or maximum angle do you need to return it.
 
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Theoretically yes, but there are so many variables to carry it out. Your rubber properties, the surface of the table, the friction of the surface of the ball itself and the linear speed of the incoming ball etc.. I also play table tennis and see that to receive that spinning ball, you have to adjust the angle very flexibly.
 
  • #3
As mentioned it depends on the elasticity of the table tennis rubber. How much of the energy is returned in the form of reversing the spin, and reversing the velocity?

With a given table tennis rubber, then the issue is the velocity (speed and direction) of the stroke, and the angle of the blade. With elastic table tennis rubber, against heavy top spin, it is possible to hold the blade still and simply angle the racket face downwards, and the ball will be returned with quite a bit of speed and top spin. The amount of speed and top spin returned will then be determined by the nature of the table tennis rubber.

Top spinning against back spin is more interesting. With enough blade speed, and striking the table tennis ball while it still has an upward component of velocity (still rising), both the blade angle and the stroke motion can be less than 20 degrees from horizontal.
 
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FAQ: Calculating angle needed to return spin

1. How do you calculate the angle needed to return spin?

To calculate the angle needed to return spin, you can use the formula: angle = (spin / speed) * 45 degrees. This formula assumes a constant spin rate and a linear trajectory.

2. What is the purpose of calculating the angle needed to return spin?

The purpose of calculating the angle needed to return spin is to accurately predict the trajectory of an object with spin, such as a ball or a projectile, and to determine the necessary angle to return the spin to its original state.

3. How does the speed of the object affect the angle needed to return spin?

The speed of the object has a direct impact on the angle needed to return spin. As the speed increases, the angle needed to return spin decreases. This is because a faster moving object covers a greater distance in the same amount of time, resulting in a larger angle of rotation for the spin.

4. What other factors besides speed and spin can affect the angle needed to return spin?

Other factors that can affect the angle needed to return spin include the surface on which the object is spinning, the shape and size of the object, and external forces such as air resistance or friction. These factors can alter the spin rate and trajectory of the object, making it more difficult to accurately calculate the necessary angle.

5. Can the angle needed to return spin vary during the object's flight?

Yes, the angle needed to return spin can vary during the object's flight due to factors such as air resistance, external forces, and changes in the object's spin rate. Therefore, it is important to continuously monitor and adjust the angle as needed to accurately return the spin and predict the object's trajectory.

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