how-to-watch-the-ball
alexio asked 6 years ago
Are there rules for when and how to look at the ball and at what point to stop following the ball with your eyes? Perhaps even different rules for different shots?
Tom Academy Coach answered 6 years ago
Hi Alexio,
There are no rules as such but what is important is you don’t follow the ball all the way to the bat, this will make it very tough to see where on the opponents side you are aiming for. Try to follow the ball until the point at which you feel confident of a correct contact and timing etc. After this your focus should switch to your opponent and the other side to pick up clues as to where the next ball may be coming.
Some shots such a smash where you have a lot of time you may need to focus on the ball slightly longer just to be safe with the timing point. Overall the better you can get at reading your opponents the more chances you will get to be in the right position so of you can maximise your time being able to watch them it will help. Just make sure to watch the ball long enough to be confident in your own shots.
