Where is the best contact point

Each stroke has its own optimal contact location – FOR YOU.  The contact location will vary from person to person.  Depending on your physical attributes (strength, length of arms and legs, balance point) and style of shot (aggressive or defensive), the location will be different.

Basically, the location will be located toward the front of your body.  On the forehand, the more you bend and move your weight forward, the further in front it will be.  With your shoulder located behind you, your strongest position will be somewhere across from your forward foot.

On the backhand it will always be in front of your body (closer to the net).  The reason is that you need to have a stable base and to since your shoulder is in front your strength will be further in front than your shoulder.

Can you hit a ball further back?  Sure, if it is a defensive shot, but if you make a habit of it, you’ll soon develop shoulder, elbow, or wrist problems. Every stroke is a little different, but they all require you to be in a position of strength to get the most out of the shot.  That usually means in front of the shoulder or out front.