Predicting direction of ball

Sir its Tushar , can you please tell me few tips that how can I predict the direction of ball as soon as it comes from opponents racket so that I can be a good blocker and do less topspin in game . Also please tell me some tips on proper footwork of a blocking type player .

Hi Tushar,

The main thing with being able to tell the direction of the ball is how well you watch it.  By tracking the ball really carefully you will start to get the earliest information as to where the ball is going.  Some people talk about watching your opponent and other things but watching the ball will give you all the information that you need.  Through your peripheral vision you will see what your opponent is doing.

I am sure you have heard people say watch the ball.  This is almost the most important thing to gain improvement in a game.  By watching we don't even mean just looking at where it is but really closely watching it so that you start to see the ball really clearly.  This won't happen straight away but with training like anything else you will start to get better at it.

For footwork movements for a blocker you will be fairly square on to the table most of the time because in general you will be so close to the table.  Most of your movement will be small sidesteps using the same footwork movements we describe in our lesson on the Footwork Basics.  Remember to also focus on staying balanced throughout the rally.