How Can I Achieve Total Table Awareness

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 8 years ago

Adam Olaso

Adam Olaso Asked 8 years ago

Hi, I've been mastering topspin and looping and I think I'm getting pretty good at it. However, I would usually encounter opponents who are very good at blocking and counter. Whenever I start my attack - a loop from an underspin, I never let my eyes off the ball when doing the stroke and just really think of getting the ball over the net. If I attempt to be aware where my opponent is at and lose sight of the ball, my topspin tends to become sloppy and I lose my timing. I would usually end up getting countered or blocked easily while I'm still recovering from my stroke. 


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Hi Adam,

It is great that you are focusing on the ball.  This is most important.

As you progress you will start to be able to watch the ball and also trust your peripheral vision to be able to pick up the other information that you need such as where your opponent is.

In Table Tennis you just don't have the time to be able to switch your focus between the ball and your opponent or anything else.

So, keep watching the ball and the rest will start to develop.


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Adam Olaso

Adam Olaso Posted 8 years ago

Awesome! I'm glad to know that I'm on the right track. Thanks, Alois. Looping feels so great laughing


D K

D K Posted 8 years ago

I can never understand how can one like playing loops...


Anyway,I would like to ask,you said that I must focus only on the ball.
But then I cannot focus on my own stroke.
How can this be solved? :O :(


Adam Olaso

Adam Olaso Posted 8 years ago

If you focus on the ball your stroke will be much better.

That's of course if you already know the proper technique of the stroke. Alois points out the proper stroke technique for almost all types of ball coming your way. I would watch those, shadow them then get a partner to practice it with you. On practice, focus on the ball to get timing right and just do the stroke! smile


D K

D K Posted 8 years ago

If I focus on the ball I am afraid of moving,because if I move,I lose sight of the ball.

I am quite valueless.
Without a ball,I can do strokes quite well
But when the ball is coming,I am unable to find out where exactly should I stand.


Adam Olaso

Adam Olaso Posted 8 years ago

Keep doing the drill on the stroke. When you feel like you're good at it, then you can start multiball footwork training with your training partner. Go slow. With the footwork training you will find the sweet spot for your stroke execution.


D K

D K Posted 8 years ago

I am trying,but it is hard as many players do not want to play drills.
Feel like you are good.....
Some players told me that my forehand loop is both powerful and can also be very deceptive....
But

1)I do not feel like it is true,as my loops can be attacked or blocked really effortlessly
2)This is not really the stroke I wish to master....
Of course I want to have a strong loop...but I still want my loop to be the weakest compared to all other strokes.

Sweet spot?
What do you mean?



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