Correcting Errors
This article is from our latest PingSkills Newsletter
Here is a handy hint for you if you are struggling to change something technical.
We all slip into bad habits. Finding a way to correct these is often a big problem. It is always difficult to change technique, especially if you have been doing that same thing for many years. However, another way of thinking about it is that you are learning a new technique.
If you have a problem with the technique of your forehand topspin, for example, where you finish too low with your swing, how can you correct it? By thinking of it as learning a new technique rather than correcting an old one, you may find it easier to make that change.
I often say to players, forget about every forehand you have ever hit and try this new forehand. Try this technique out for yourself.
Cihan
commented on April 28th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Thanks for the tip, Alois.
I think this way, psychologically at least, one will have an easier time. If you consciously tell yourself that you have a bad technique and grimace after each similar, low-technique shot, then you’ll have a painful time. Practice won’t be fun and each mistake will sap your confidence. At least, this is how I feel.
In the mindset you suggest, one will be more confident -i.e. your way is not necessarily the “wrong” way, it’s just a different technique.
Also, I used to have a very low forehand swing - my arm would end up above my shoulder. I fixed this problem by reminding myself to give enough spin before each shot - the idea of spinning the ball automatically adjusts my arm - much more effective than consciously telling myself to lift my arm.
I still do end up sort of lowering the end point of my swing to above shoulder every now and then but I usually do this for relatively higher balls, when speed is a lot more important than spin.(i.e. I know I’m going to get the ball the bounc on the table anyway and I need as much speed as possible.)