Optimising Footwork Positioning in Table Tennis

David Shill Asked 2 weeks ago

Re the latest tutorial, I am not clear as to whether we should be facing the direction from which the ball is coming or the direction to which we are hitting it.  There is no problem when we return the ball in the direction it came from, but how should our feet be positioned when we switch?

David Shill

Alois Rosario Answered 1 week ago

Hi David,

Thanks for your great question on footwork—this is a fundamental aspect of improving your table tennis game. The direction you face can change depending on the situation, but there are some general guidelines you can follow.

When preparing to hit the ball, it's crucial to align your body to face the direction from which the ball is coming. This stance prepares you to effectively receive and return the ball.

Your trunk rotation and wrist angle will then help to change the direction of the ball.  You can rotate your hips slightly towards the direction you intend to hit. This rotation helps in generating more power and accuracy in your strokes. However, your initial stance should still be relatively neutral, facing the incoming ball.

Practicing drills that focus on directional changes can greatly enhance your ability to switch effectively without losing balance or power.

Keep practicing, and you'll find your positioning improving along with your ability to direct the ball precisely where you want it to go.