Everyone wants to get better in table tennis, but where should we concentrate our efforts to do so? Here, we'll go through our top ten recommendations and the elements that are crucial to creating a strong foundation for your table tennis game.
Tip 1: Master the Foundations
Before going on to the more thrilling quick shots, it's important to practise the fundamentals and establish strong foundations. Rushing into playing fast, aggressive topspin shots before your fundamental drive stroke technique is sound will impede your progress and frequently result in less consistency.
The table tennis superpower in the world, China, begins at a young age and devotes a lot of effort to developing strong fundamentals and a high degree of consistency. This indicates that when students progress to more challenging abilities, erratic movements, and game circumstances, they do considerably better under these kinds of problems because they have a stronger foundation.
Second tip: Feel the ball.
Table tennis players who are learning to contact the ball properly are said to be "feeling" for the ball. Players frequently strike the ball extremely strongly and with a thick contact, which is good for some strokes but requires a finer touch to produce spin and control in your game.
To generate powerful topspin strokes and the linger on the rubber necessary to produce efficient spin serves, one must be able to softly brush the ball. Slowing down your shots, concentrating on utilising a softer touch on the ball, and attempting to create the impression that the ball is spending longer time may help you develop in this area. The 30-60-90 exercise is a drill that we frequently utilise at the Academy to assist players enhance their feel for the game by shifting the pace of their strokes and altering their touch on the ball to manage the speed they are playing at.
Tip 3: Transfer weight
You may be more comfortable with your arm and release tension from your shots and movement by having proper weight transfer and making good use of your body and legs. Try to practise using more of your legs and body since many players place too much focus on the energy coming from your arm, which causes shots to become stiff and forced.
So keep in mind that weight transfer plays a crucial part in maximising your prospective shot quality and consistency. This makes shots more effective and also helps create considerably more power than utilising the arm alone.
Tip #4: Balance
Although many players mistakenly believe that their bad shooting technique is to blame when they miss, this is frequently not the case. The shots usually fail because you failed to properly position yourself and move your feet. To ensure that you are always prepared to perform the fast movements and adjustments required in table tennis balls, choose a low, compact stance with your weight front and on the balls of your feet.
Being agile and quick on your feet can be the difference between making it to the next shot and not. In the training exercises area of the Academy, we offer a tonne of footwork coaching videos that will help you master the proper footwork and increase your speed around the table.
Advice #5: Timing
Amateur players frequently shift their timing point too much, which leads to erratic strokes and a lack of rhythm. This is one of the key distinctions between amateur players and elite pros.
The top of the bounce, which is when the ball reaches its highest position and affords you the greatest safety above the net, is the best time point for the majority of shots. You may keep a better position at the table and avoid being pressured into making unforced mistakes by playing too early if you have the ability to evaluate the timing and always strike at the top of the bounce. This may seem a little strange to players who are wanting to become better, but it is much difficult to get better and learn if you don't love practising or playing in matches. You'll be more at ease and receptive to new ideas and discovering new things if you approach each session with a positive outlook and enjoy the learning and growing process.
Conclusion
We all started playing table tennis because we like it, therefore even if it might be challenging at times to advance, you should still find delight in setting new standards for yourself and working to improve as a player. may take the ball too late and wind up slipping away from the table.