Playing faster rallies

Shaharyar Noordin Asked 12 years ago

I am unable to play all the shots as rallies get faster in table tennis . Switching from forehands to backhands and vice versa quickly is difficult for me. I also need to learn placing shots at different sides of table as well as different angles with a lot of variation . I would really appreciate if u would help me out with this . Thankyou !

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Shaharyar,

In training start with some regular drills where yo know where the ball is coming.  Once you can hit the ball consistently at a pace, say get 50 balls on the table in a row, then start to speed up the ball.  Again try to get 50 balls on the table at that pace.  The more you hit the better you will get at reacting to the faster ball.

Then you can progress to some drills where you don't know where the ball is coming to.  THis again will help you to learn to react to the faster balls.  One of the keys is to be able to watch the ball carefully enough throughout the rally.  That means tracking the ball and focusing on it really carefully.  This will give you the best opportunity to see where the ball is coming to as early as possible.

As far as placing the ball set some targets on the table and aim for them during your training. Put the targets wide on the table and aim for them during the rally.  It is also a lot about keeping the ball away from your opponent.  So while training and playing some practice games, focus on this.