Footwork problems

Hi Coach,

 I am quite concerned and have struggled with my footwork for many months. Many times, my legs and hands do not coordinate and my movement seems messy.

Also, I feel my legs have no sense of "ball game", meaning there is no feeling of predicting where the ball will go.

Also, I have difficulties in actually turning my trunk after moving to execute a forehand topspin. Is there a solution? Many thanks again.

Hi JinMeng,

Footwork movement is an important thing to get correct. You need to practice repetitive movements of footwork.  Pick a few drills from our free download of Training Drills.  It doesn't matter too much which one you start with.  Do some of the 2 ball drills first and just focus on being balanced when you are doing it.  It will take time but it is worth getting right because everything else will flow from your balance and footwork.

 For tracking the ball you need to then start to do some drills where you don't know where the ball is going.  The key is to watch the ball really closely.  This will help you to see where the ball is going a little earlier.  with this and being more balanced you will start to see some improvements.

Again with your turning, once you have a little more time you will stat to be able to turn your waist as well.  It is difficult to incorporate a waist movement if you fee like you don't have enough time to play the stroke.  You tend to stay square to the table and play your shot.