Forehand counterhit starting problem

Debo : Asked 12 years ago

Dear Coaches,

Many of the times while starting counterhit practice, I usually straggle to do it correctly.  It took sometime to get used to it.  Even some blocking against topspin help me at this point.

However, after some time (some practice) I get it right back and then can easily hit a few hundreds (of course, if my partner plays OK).  But, I observe many of my club members start hitting forehand counterhits right from the word go (even after a break of 3 / 4 days).

How can I get out of this chronic problem of myself ??  Please help.

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Debo,

It is a matter of you understanding and feeling exactly what is happening with the stroke.  When you do get the right feeling of it during your practice, you should slow the stroke down and really feel what is happening to make the stroke correct.  Even close your eyes a few times between rallies and think about the feeling you have when the stroke is going well.

Often at the start the thing that stops the stroke from going properly is tension in your arm or body.  Try to relax and feel the stroke.  Think about the start and finish positions that we focus on.  If you get the bat from the start to the finish correctly the ball should go on the table.