How to fix leaning back on shots

Justin C Asked 9 years ago

I noticed that I sometimes tend to lean back when I loop or drive (which is obviously a sign of wrong form). I'm guessing it's a problem with me shifting weight from right to left and instead keeping the weight on my right leg forcing me to lean back to take the shot. I'm not sure though. What usually causes someone to lean back on shots and how do you fix it? Thanks.

Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

Hi Justin,

You are probably right. Balance is usually the key with these sorts of issues.

Really focus on making sure that during and directly after each shot that you are in a balanced position and have the ability to move in any direction. You can do this with a little jump to balance yourself up again or just transfer your weight into the balanced position. Focus on how much weight is on your left and your right foot at the point of contacting the ball and also straight after you have finished your stroke.

You will probably find that most of the weight is on your back foot when you are contacting the ball which is forcing you to fall backwards.

← Blocking with long pips and blocking a smash "Thank you" for serve error →

Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago

Alois discussed this question in episode 4 of our Ask the Coach Show. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Ji-Soo Woo Posted 9 years ago

Ha! I have this exact same problem. I not only lean back but sometimes I almost fall back as I am hitting, with one leg in the air. I think the reason I do this is to slow the relative speed of the ball (since I am moving back with it) so that I can try to brush it very finely.

D K Posted 9 years ago

I have another problem-sometimes when i make a loop,I fall forward and the ball goes somewhere behind the opponent's head

How can that be fixed?

mohammed ayache Posted 9 years ago

i lean when looping from mu crossover point if im in middle of table

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago

Hi Mohammed,

Yes when the ball is in the middle if you have a wide stance you can often get away with just leaning if you don’t have time to move. The key is the wide stance.