Position behind the table
PavelZ asked 5 years ago
Hi Dan and Tom,
when I play match against more experienced opponent I always struggle with movement behind the table. The opponent often catch me unprepared. Here is the example situation. I serve backspin serve to the opponent’s backhand. He pushes the ball half long to my forehand. So I push back to forehand. Should I go back to the backhand side of the table?
Thanks
Pavel
Tom Academy Coach answered 5 years ago
Hi Pavel,
Yes I know exactly what you mean, against stronger or more experienced players they often can catch you out with placement and positioning around the table.
For your example when you have pushed the ball back to the forehand you should not go straight to your backhand, try to stay as neutral as possible so you can be ready for both backhand and forehand. Of course sometimes you may have a better idea where the ball will go, for example if you play very wide to the forehand then you can expect the more likely is to your forehand (Against a right hander) but you can nevbe 100% sure.
Ive got a great exercise for you to try which can really help seeing where your opponent is going to play and reacting to this.
Its very simple but really helps- So the exercise is your practice partner will forehand topspin but not too fast, anywhere on the table and changing the direction, you have to block back the topspins to the forehand corner with backhand and forehand and moving around the table. This works well because you don’t know where your partner will play each ball, just like in a match so it helps you to read the shots and get better at being in position for them!
So definitely give that a try, anything else or if your not sure on any of this just reply on here and we’ll get back to you.
Tom
