Table set-up for one-player practice
Training
Rohan Keogh Asked 8 years ago
Hi guys. When I am setting the table up for one-player practice, what's the best position and angle for the 'back/return board'? Should it be positioned right behind the net or a little further back, even far enough that the ball bounces on the table before rebounding (so I see I'm not over-hitting)? Should the return board be vertical or at a slight backward angle to help lift the ball back over the net, or will this create easier (higher, slower) returns?
Cheers
Rufuss
Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago
Hi Rufuss,
It is better to position it back where an opponent would normally hit the ball from.
I am not a big fan of backboards for practice though. I think it is too difficult to get any sort of consistent practice with it.
Recommended Video
#32 - Effective Returns
In this training plan we put together all of the different returns we've learnt and focus on producing an effective return. You should be aiming to topspin all long serves and then weighing up your options on the short serve. A good short push is a great option but you also need some variation with either a flick or a long fast push. Go out and put this training plan into action and work on improving your return.
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D K Posted 8 years ago
I would like to try it,though.
Because i need to practise pushing fast and agressively and noone wants to train anything else than powerlooping and bombing
Rohan Keogh Posted 8 years ago
Same here D K. I want to practice push and block but have no practice partners so I figured the half-table with a rebound board would at least provide some practice opportunity. The major shortcoming I experience is that rebound board always returns a no spin ball if it is vertical or a mild back spin ball if it is angled back slightly (and the ball comes back either "soft" or too long).
Still as Alois says, some/any TT is better than no TT :)
Robots are a better option than return boards.