Playback

Tom Pollard Asked 16 years ago

Our table tennis table folds up, and so it's possible to have one side folded up vertically and the other down.  When I was starting to get back into table tennis last year, I often practiced by setting it up that way and hitting against the raised table.  It was helpful for a while, but I eventually stopped practicing that way because the way the ball bounces back off the raised table is exactly the opposite of how it would fly freely (topspin shots bounce up, rather than drop, etc.), and I was worried I might develop bad habits.  Is there any useful way to practice solo with a raised table like this?

Alois Rosario Answered 16 years ago

Hi Tom,

Playback is one of those features on a table tennis table that is highly overrated.

I think it has limited benefit, about the benefit that you have gained from it.  It is good as a beginner to hit the ball backwards and forwards to get a bit of control and consistency.  As soon as you start to spin the ball a little it becomes very limited.