Where to position yourself in a rally

Abhiram Reddy Asked 11 years ago

I have a pretty strong forehand loop and I would like to know where to position myself and aim to stay (distance from the table)  ideally against a)blocker/counter-hitter/puncher type b)looper/counter-hitter c)chopper/counter-hitter type players .Also from where (distance from the table) should i try to return a fast side-spin loop or any other fast loop that stays low after bouncing and tends to skid off .

Thanks a lot Alois.

Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Abhiram,

The position at the table will always depend at the ball you have given them and what type of shot they are likely to play.

So against a more attacking player you will want to be a little further back than if you are playing a passive blocker.  If you are playing a defensive player then you can be even closer in general.

It is always a matter of tracking the ball during the rally first.  With regards to the lateral position look where they are playing their shot from.  The wider they are on their forehand the more you will need to cover your wide forehand and vice versa.  It is about cutting off their potential angles.

We do have a Premium lesson on this in our Receiving Secrets section on Position and Footwork.