How wide is the elbow?

Marv Anderson Asked 8 years ago

Hi,

We constantly hear that we should attack the opponent's elbow, but just how precise does that attack need to be to be effective? In other words, how much to the left or right can we hit the ball and still make it hard for them to react. Also, is that distance the same on the forehand and backhand sides?

Thanks

Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Hi Marv,

This position is actually quite small and always shifting. It is usually to the forehand side of their elbow because if it is to the backhand side it is relatively easier to move the bat over and utilise your backhand.

Each player has a different position depending on their own strokes. It is important to find where that is for your opponent each time. This will also change for an opponent depending on what they are ready for. If they are looking for a forehand then slightly to the backhand side of the elbow could also be effective.

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Johan B Posted 8 years ago

Yesterday I played a backhand oriented player. I could hit his crossover point about half a meter to his forehand. After he had scrambled to cover it with his forehand, however, his feet position had changed so that I should aim my follow up backhand punch at his armpit

Marv Anderson Posted 8 years ago

Great video, guys.

Dieter Verhofstadt Posted 8 years ago

I find that playing into the crossover point mostly aims at moving the opponent out of balance and then strike where it hurts, as Johan says. Theoretically that should be wide to the side they chose as a solution for the crossover ball, but it can indeed be anywhere.

Jason Partelle Posted 8 years ago

Looks like a way to wrong foot your opponent. Thats why its so important to move. It always estains me when people say that table tennis is not a physical sport, there the ones that dont play or havent got to the level of play to keep rallys going.

lyn m Posted 8 years ago

thanks. first time I've heard of aiming for the elbow.... usually ends up hitting their stomach. lol

Ujjal Chatterjee Posted 8 years ago

Very good video explaining the importance of attacking at elbow but one has to be very fast and accurate.

kathy mckelvey Posted 8 years ago

Good video!! Thank's