Problem with Short game & Flicks

Hi Pingskills.

I have a problem when players touch me short because I don't have a strong enough flick( bounces too short) and my short push goes too high this is by far my weakest.I finding it especially difficult while serving cause usually if someone flicks or pushes long I'm in with a strong topspin and win the rally but  the better players are touching me short & am losing a lot of points from my short game.  What's the best way to practice my short game? I've tried serving longer but it's not effective against some players.

Thanks

Hi Cameron,

Learning to play short is an important step.

To start with just stand close to the table and practice getting the feel of pushing the ball short.  You don’t need a lot of forward momentum with the shot.  Almost just allow the ball to rebound off your bat.  You just need to provide the angle of the bat to get the ball low and short.  You will need to experiment with the angle.  Try opening and closing the face of the bat to see how to get the ball low.

As you develop the feel of it you can start to work with your training partner varying the spin on the ball.  Also you should then move in and out after each short push.  This will mean that in a game situation, if the ball does come long you will be able to attack it.

You can also use the strategies we show in the lesson on Keeping The Ball Low.

Playing short is the skill of touch which is something that needs to be developed over time.