Ask The Coach

and Alois Rosario said...

Hi Luke,

The footwork of a defensive player needs to be more in and out than an attacking player.  You also need the sideways footwork for when you are back from the table and need to change between forehand and backhand.  This tends to be bigger movements because you have a larger distance to cover to get to the ball.  Tis because at a further distance from the table the angle means a larger distance to move.

The ready position of most defensive players tends to be a little more favouring the backhand than an attacking player would. So if you are a right hander, the right foot the same distance or even closer to the table than your left.