Conditioning to stay low

Fabio Zambetta Asked 8 years ago

Hi Alois, I have a question that is probably related to some that have been asked before...but perhaps with a little twist :)

I have been coached pretty well for a bit less than two years by now and I have gone from a complete garage player (say a 200 points player in Ratings Central ranking score) to about 900 points and still climbing.
The quality and consistency of my shots has improved heaps as well as my footwork, also due to being much lighter (now I have a BMI of exactly 25) 

One thing that I still struggle with at times though is keeping the right crouched, low stance that you describe in your video on the matter. Most of the time I would be ok, allowing me to take good shots, but at times I will start being a bit "jumpy", coming up somehow and stopping to have the more efficient and correct compact stance (thereby affecting my shots, especially in a longer rally).

Is there any specific physical conditioning that you would suggest may come handy here or is it just a matter of time, continuing to do lots of drills and exercises, etc. ? Thanks a lot in advance!

PS=I should add that this jumpiness is probably due to my muscle memory as a volleyball player, I used to play at a fairly high level in my teens and twenties...albeit that has been a while ago now 

Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Hi Fabio,

Well done on making such big improvements. It is great that you are focusing on this aspect of the game.

I think away from the table one good exercise is Squats to build strength. However, in a lot of cases it is more about the muscle memory of remembering to stay down during your movements.  One thing that I have seen work quite well is to attach a resistant band to a belt and then around your ankles which gives you some tension when you want to stand up which acts as a reminder. Here is a link to what I mean. You might be able to make one up yourself.