Footwork related to reflexes

Table Tennis Footwork

Last updated 7 years ago

eugene lu

eugene lu Asked 7 years ago

Hi alois,

My footwork techniques are very good. During training, my footwork is really good.

I've been training footwork for almost 8 months and my footwork has never work smoothly. In matches, I don't lunge a lot but I'm not using shuffle steps like in training. Instead I use a "run" step and end up unbalanced all the time.

The only footwork that ever function was the pivot but still I'm not shuffling to do it. More like running. 

I have never really thought about using footwork in matches. Although everyone is telling me to use it over and over. So by any chance that footwork is also part of quick reflexes? The brain sending messages to the body to use the shuffle step? Just like blocking an incoming fast attack. Your fast reflex tells you to react to the ball.

If so, should I think about my footwork or how else can I overcome this never improving skill?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago

Hi Eugene,

It sounds like you have the basics of the movement.

Now in training do more random drills, where you don't know where the ball is going.  This will get you used to moving to a ball after making a decision as to where the ball is coming to you. This is quite different to just practicing footwork in a set pattern.

In this way it is related to reflexes or reactions.


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eugene lu

eugene lu Posted 7 years ago

Thx alois. that's what I'm doing in training now. My coach is giving me a ball in random areas, but I just have no answer to move to it. But I can never move to it . I try to use small jumps but it's not working. My coach tells me not to move to the ball before it was played, but I don't know what other way to move yo the ball on time.

Maybe I just try have to keep training. Thx


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 7 years ago

Just keep focusing on the ball and eventually your feet will take you there.


eugene lu

eugene lu Posted 7 years ago

Yes but in a "running" sort of way.



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