Training for reflexes and playing low players

Matthew Fossay Asked 8 years ago

Hi Alois and Jeff

Today I am asking a few questions

Alois in my club I play against the same group almost everytime. I am a much higher level than all of them except one. This one kid has a very fast loop and some difficult serves and because he is one of the only good ones I play I don't get much practice for his skill level unless it's with him. Because his loop and serves are so fast I would like to know how I can improve my reflexes and hand eye coordination.

Jeff I am asking you this question because I have never had u answer a question of mine so I just want to get some advice from you for some reason. When playing against weaker players what do u do to stay in the game and still play your best because I seem to not play as hard against weaker players.

Thanks for all your answers Alois and Jeff I appreciate it a lot you guys are the reason I love Table Tennis!

Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Hi Matt,

I will answer my part of the question...

To improve reflexes the first thing is to practice watching the ball better. This will give you the quickest information. Take look at this lesson as well. Improving Your Reflexes which talks about your body position to get the best results.

In training do a lot more random drills where you don't know where the ball is coming.

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Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 8 years ago

Hi Matt,

When playing someone who is a lot weaker than you then I find it is good to work on a particular aspect of your game to keep you interested. Perhaps it is a particular serve, or maybe your blocking, or placement. It doesn't really matter what but by having a focus area it will keep you more involved in the game.

Another option is to push yourself to try and beat them under a particular score. For example if you are twice as good as them then try and beat them 11-5.

Matthew Fossay Posted 8 years ago

Thanks for all the advice Alois and Jeff

One more question I have for you

i am in a club and my coach is just now teaching me the forehand loop. I have watched your video on it and that did help but he keeps telling me to focus on the fine contact and when I did I seem to miss the ball lots. And when I don't focus as hard on the fine contact I get a hard contact on the ball. Do you have any tips for helping out on these issues and on the forehand loop in general.

Also my grip is a little weird on the forehand so do u guys have a video on the proper grip I hold the paddle correctly but it's the angle of my wrist I believers off.

Thanks always!

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 8 years ago

Hi Matthew,

The contact is a difficult part. Perhaps think about rotating your waist forward during the stroke as well. This will allow your bat to come forward and make better contact with the ball. It is a more difficult stroke than a counterhit or block so will take time to get the contact perfect.

We have a lesson on the grip... Get a Grip, which applies for all your strokes. For your wrist, think about keeping it in a natural position. You don't need to ben it up, down, forwards or backwards.