watching ball/anticipation

Douglas Hill Asked 15 years ago

I watched your Video Zone segment on watching the ball to develop anticipation, and I have a question about a particular case.  I find that when my opponent tosses the ball high for a serve, if I try to watch the ball going up and down, I have trouble determining the motion of the paddle at the moment of striking.  I have taken to keeping my eyes fixed on the paddle until the ball comes down to it.

Would it be better to attempt to track the ball on a high-toss serve?

Jeff Plumb Answered 15 years ago

Hi Douglas,

I myself would prefer to watch the ball all the way. I find that as the ball is coming down I can still see the movement of the racket and by watching the ball I can see the exact contact and watch the ball closely off the racket. The only time I find it a problem is at some halls where the lights can affect you watching the ball on the high toss serve. When this happens I try to pick up the ball on it's way down around shoulder height so the lights don't affect me.

However I don't think it is too bad to be watching the bat as long as you can switch immediately to the ball once contact has been made. If you find this more comfortable and it works for you then stick with it.