Training Advice

Thomas Claes Asked 14 years ago

Hi there,

First of all I'd like to mention that the entire concept of this site is absolutely brilliant, and it is executed really well.

My question is fairly simple, I've played table tennis half my life now (I'm 16 at this point) and have learned most of the technique from an undiplomated trainer. 4 years ago I took a break from the sport and came back about 2 months ago, in a different club with another trainer. 

Because my technique (not my footwork) was so bad I had to learn everything all over again, starting with my forehand. After 2 months of intensive training is in good shape, but the problem is that my backhand has gone worse...

Do you have any advice on how to maintain a certain "skill level" of a stroke while learning another one, as I am aware that when focusing on a basic stroke the other gets left out a bit.

 Thanks in Advance,

thomas 

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Thomas,

Tis does tend to happen naturally.  One thing that I have found is quite common is that we alter our feet position slightly when we start to focus on one side.  If we are focusing on the forehand then we tend to turn a little towards our forehand with our feet.

The answer is to do a lot of switching drills between forehand and backhand so that you are maintaining a good position for both strokes.  Each time you hit a forehand, think "could I play a backhand next", even if the ball is constantly going to your forehand.

You may do some drills where you start with a fixed drill, so you know where the ball is coming and end the drill with your partner allowed to hit the ball anywhere.

Our Training Secrets DVD will give you a lot of ideas for switching drills.