RE: Footwork Challenges
Danttgeek asked 4 weeks ago
Hi Guys – hope you are doing well and enjoying your table tennis.
So I am having some footwork challenges.
Specifically, I don’t step forward with my right leg (I am right handed) in a fast and smooth fashion when I get shorter balls.
I noticed that when I took more of a backhand stance with my right leg slightly forward, my ability to move forward for a short backhand or forehand and the spring back is enhanced. This is not just for super short shots over the table, but also for ‘long’ balls that are simply a bit shorter.
I find that when my right leg is back, it’s a slow lumbering step, when the right leg is already in front, you can do a quick shuffle forward and backwards.
I also found that moving to my forhand still seems OK, and I seem less prone to move backwards when stepping sidewards, which is a real issue when trying to get the wide forehand shots. Being more parallel, even slightly forward with right leg, means a sideward step allows me to cut off the angle instead of going too far from table which opens the angle up.
This seems like a very unconventional approach and different to what everyone says about having the right leg back for the forehand!??
The elephant in the room of course are elbow shots. I am already bad at receiving long and half long serves to the elbow, especially when they are topspin. (half longs get hit too late and then sail off the table, long ones jam me).
I wonder what your thoughts and advice is on this issue?
Dan Academy Coach answered 3 weeks ago
Hey Dan,
We are really good thanks! So actually in the last few years a few of the top players have been shifting to a more square stance or even sometimes having the right leg slightly in front for some shots so I think it is changing recently. I would say it’s not a problem what you said you’re doing as long as of course it doesn’t effect your movement around the court.
The main issue with the elbow shots you mentioned is something I’ve struggled with as well, but what helps for me is when the ball does go there it’s very important to shift your right foot back quickly behind which creates space and also gives you time to turn your body and play from the middle.
If you don’t do that and the right foot stays in front the shots into the elbow will be very difficult and end up weak or being a mistake.
I hope that’s helpful and makes sense:)
