Low or high
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 6 years ago
D K Asked 7 years ago
Hello Alois and Jeff,
I have videoed my match today and I am a bit confused.
During that match,I felt that I am keeping myself very low because I was constantly raising my bat before each stroke.
Though,on the video,I saw that I was quite high.
I simply felt low and looked high.
So....should I go even lower?
Or...what could be the problem?
Thanks
DK
Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago
Hi DK,
This is why video feedback is so important. Often our perception and reality are far apart.
The answer is to get lower. Then video yourself again and see what it look like.
Thoughts on this question
Become a free member to post a comment about this question.
D K Posted 7 years ago
It seems very strange somehow....
Though,additionally,is it OK when I am so low that my bat blocks my sight while playing backhand counterhit?
I guess that it is bad.
Though,when I am high enough to get the bat out of the direct sight line,I am already too high from the video view.
I seem not to be able to find the "golden middle way".
Mike Lauro Posted 7 years ago
If your bat is blocking your sight of the incoming ball during a backhand counterhit, you may be too low or your bat may be too high. You should be able to see the ball bounce during a counterhit. Also, balls that have lower trajectory may require you to lower your body more, while balls having a higher trajectory may require you to raise your body. Keep experimenting with different levels of body position to find one that works.
D K Posted 6 years ago
The point is that if I bend my legs,I ALWAYS block my sight during backhand counterhit.
There is something bad with my game.
Rohan Keogh Posted 6 years ago
Hi DK. It sounds like you are keeping your hand and bat at the same level regardless of you body height so you are lowering your head to be behind the bat. Two things are wrong with that. The first is that the bat starting position for the BH counter hit/drive is about in line with your left pec (breast), not your sternum (middle of the chest). So it is never in front of your face. The second is that as you lower your stance by bending your knees your bat should also be lower. Make sure that, regardless of your body height, your bat starting position is always the same - level with your left pec. That will keep it out of your line of sight.
Have a look at the BH counter hit video again and you'll see that Jeff moves up and down a little depending on the height of the ball coming to him but his bat starting position does not change in relation to his body - he goes lower, his bat starts lower and visa versa.
D K Posted 6 years ago
!!!!
That makes sense!!
Why didnt I realise that earlier?? :OO
Rohan Keogh Posted 6 years ago
I think developing in table tennis (like a lot of other sports) is a series of "ah ha!" moments. At least that is how it seems to be for me :)
D K Posted 6 years ago
Now i think I will find some good way how to increase my footwork :D
As in multiball it goes well but in match or training it goes slower.
But I do not want to spam here :D