How to play with more control instead of trying to hit winners at every shot
oliverlim asked 2 years ago
This seems to be a strange question. But I always struggle with this in games. I am a intermediate player and I find that I always rush shots especially in the backhand which results in a flatter hit or outright missing the ball due to “my insistent” of using 80-90% of my speed and strength to try to overpower my opponent and missing. Its just a instinctive thing even though I keep telling myself I have time and do not need to overpower or hit winners and just use 50-60% of my speed/strength in the rally. It just bad habit that has build over the years and I have not been able to “correct” this behaviour which results in me losing many unnecessary points.
Is there any tips or drills to help me correct this issue?
Tom Academy Coach answered 2 years ago
Hey Oliver, yes we have coached a few players who have this problem and make too many mistakes by forcing their shots and playing to fast and hard. I would say the best tips to avoid this problem is really trying to focus on getting good spin and a quality contact on the ball, so going for heavy spin with a softer brushing action. So trying to keep a good acceleration but have a lighter touch on the ball, this of course takes time to practice and develop but will really help consistency.
The other thing you can do to help this issue is focusing more on the placement of your shots rather than speed and power, so slowing down and trying to pinpoint your shots into a good position, so out wide or even better into the opponents body/elbow. This is a great way which I’ve used myself and when coaching other players to have a target of your shot placement in your mind gives you a focus instead of just hitting hard and fast you are aiming for a certain position on the table and really trying to get your shots targeted there.
I hope these help, let us know how you get on! 🙂
oliverlimWill do! Thanks for the suggestion. I love the one about concentrating on placement especially as I have thought about that as a option!
