Solo practice, shadow or robot
Training
Tony Dixon Asked 8 years ago
Alois:
Larry Hodges [National US Coach] attributes his rapid rise largely to extensive Shadow Practice [waving the bat around without distraction of a ball].
I have a TT robot. I take Alois's point that robot's weakness is in the lack of feedback from your own shot - but it is good for grooving strokes, increasing reaction speed etc.
My question is:
Which sort of practice is more valuable - Robot or Shadow?
Tony
Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago
Hi Tony,
I would say the robot because you are getting more sensations. You are getting the feel of the ball on the bat as well as watching the ball in and out of the bat.
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Lobbing Tactics
If you get pushed back from the table don't just give up the point. Try and and get back into the rally. By lobbing the ball high and deep you give yourself time to get into position. If you can then get some topspin on the ball to force the smasher further away from the table then you are likely to get a weaker smash and then you can take your chance and try to counter attack!
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That doesn't mean shadow practice isn't effective. If you haven't got a partner or a robot then shadow practice certainly is helpful.