Ideal distance for attackers

Dear Coach,

I have a decent forehand attack with topspin . My strategy is to play mostly backhand against very fast and aggressive forehand attackers as my backhand is good too.

However, I often lose to players who launch the forehand attack first especially with long and fast ball.  Recently, I noticed that I tend to play mostly at 1 feet ( 30 cm ruler) to table.  

If the opponent attack first,  stepping back for me (say 1 metre at most ) will be a no hope as I lose control of the ball. Or else I will do a soft return and he will detroy me. My topspin is not effective at 1-5 away from table or the ball comes too fast for me to attack.

Generally, the defenders plays away from table and attackers closer. But , I noticed that Malong and other professionals can play fast attack at 2 metre away from table.

Can you give me some hint on what is the ideal position just after I serve (say during looping).  Is it  1mt / 50 cm or 1 feet.  Of course , this all depends on your opponent but what is the norm.

Is there a technique for practice this footwork drill.

Regards

Rama

Hi Rama,

As a guide stay at a distance where you can just reach the end of the table.

You are right it will depend on the player you are playing and also the ball that you give them.  This is always changing.

All of your practice can be around judging this distance.  Make sure when you are practicing that you keep moving to position, not only side to side but also back and forward.