| Date:
2006/04/04 |
| Brief:
Tips for Better Footwork |
| Author Name:
Sean O' Neill |
| Description: |
| Use proper footwork to help maintain good balance and efficient execution of your strokes. Active footwork ensures that you will have a consistent contact point on all your strokes. This will help groove your strokes. Both forward and backward & side to side footwork drills should be practiced regularly. When hitting successive backhands, you'll want to take one small step with the foot closest to the ball to help center the ball in the middle of your body. When moving to your forehand, don't forget to angle your body and feet (about 30-45 degrees), so as not to be square to the table. If you end up square to the table when hitting forehands you will have the tendency to shorten your follow through and eliminate any potential of weight transfer. Both are critical for maximum power. If you get jammed in the middle and are close to the table, use your backhand. This is the quickest possible stroke if you don't have time to move. If you get jammed in the middle and are far from the table, use your forehand. The greater distance requires more power. The more small side-steps you are able to take when moving to the ball, the greater the chance for a balanced shot. When you step-in to flip with your forehand be sure to step-in to the side of the ball, instead of directly behind it. If you are moving a great distance, take a small first step with foot closest to the ball and then move both feet together in a skipping motion versus jumping at the ball. The greater the distance, the bigger the first step will become. Don't forget on forehands, to turn your body while moving to guarantee the 30-45 degree angle (to the table). Footwork drills are the best way to improve slow movement. Do both random and set patterns to ensure that you don't start moving before the ball leaves your opponent's racket. |
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