Wrist action for improver

Strokes and Technique

Erriza Shalahuddin
Erriza Shalahuddin Asked 4 years ago

I think I understand the importance of wrist in table tennis stroke. Lately, I'm trying to play with more relaxed grip. With more relaxed grip, I can employ passive action of wrist during my strokes, particularly my forehand loop.

However, my friend somewhat noticed my wrist action was too excessive and might cause my technique to be inconsistent. He advised to rather "lock" my wrist during my strokes until I improve.

Once again I remind you that I don't deliberately and forcefully try to use any wrist movement during my strokes, all I do is just playing with more relaxed grip (and maybe more relaxed wrist, if you want to say that).

Do you think wrist action should be introduced to player as soon as possible, or should be reserved until the player has consistent technique?

And for my case, in particular, what should I do?


Alois Rosario
Alois Rosario Answered 4 years ago

Hi Erriza,

I think having a relaxed wrist even when you are starting is a good thing.  However, if you are finding the the wrist is flopping around and leading to inconsistency of the angle of your racket then perhaps it is a little too loose.

I think you should experiment with different levels of tension in your wrist and find when you are able to maintain a consistent angle with the bat but also have a relaxed enough wrist to be able to change your angles and allow that little bit of movement that you are feeling.


Thoughts on this question


Erriza Shalahuddin

Erriza Shalahuddin Posted 2 years ago

Hi coach. Recently I've had opportunity to practice again. I feel I have better feeling with relaxed grip and wrist. The drawback is the alignment of my wrist causes my forehand topspin to have "hook" sidespin. I'm very aware of this problem and tried as much as I can to fix it. I tried to play with more "locked" wrist and better alignment, and the sidespin seems to be reduced, however I lost the feeling of the ball a lot and my wrist started to ache. Do you have any suggestion?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 2 years ago

Hi Erriza,

Relaxing the wrist will help with the aching.  It will also help with reducing the hook.  The hook usually happens when you tighten your wrist.  As you relax it allows greater flexibility and for he wrist to straighten to a natural position that will allow you to place the ball all over the table.


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