FH-BH switching, feet position and rotation of hip

p groot Asked 8 years ago

Hi guys,

I am in a dilemma...

I notice that you play both backhand and forehand from an almost square on position. If I look closely at your video's, to hit a decent backhand, you ever so slightly rotate your torso/hips to the left. That way your upper body is pointing towards the direction that you want the ball to go. To hit a forehand, you begin by strongly rotating your torso/hips to the right. With other words, you guys need little forward/backward movement of the right foot to switch between both strokes.

The problem I see however with a lot of players is that for some reason they barely rotate the hips and almost completely rely on arm movement and foot placement with the forehand stroke. I am talking about older players who are missing the flexibility and strength, about beginners, but also about very young players that are simply still missing the motoric skills to incorporate the hip rotation in their strokes. They stand square on for their backhand, when they expect a forehand they move their right foot way back (rotate to the right) to not send the ball over the left side of the table. When they ask me how they should have their feet positioned for receiving, I am unable to give them a good answer. The real problem lies in that they should start rotating their hips more, which will enable them to hit both strokes from an almost square on position, but they either can't or won't. The best I can come up with is starting from a position that lies halfway between their prefered backhand and forehand stance. It will take extra time though to play each stroke, such players are often easily outplayed when their opponent exploits this weakness, by simply varying the direction of every ball. Sooner or later the player can't keep up anymore.

Is my analysis right and what would be the best advise to give to players other than 'start rotating your hips!'. :) Is my advise of standing halfway good or are there better solutions?

hope my question makes sense,

cheers

Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Hi,

I think the best solution is to get them to follow the ball with their bodies.  One way to think of it is to always be facing the ball wherever it is.  So when the ball is coming to the forehand side they will naturally follow the ball with their bodies and this will tend to get them to rotate their hips.

Take a look at the lesson on Improving Your Reflexes which also covers this idea.