8 Things in a Split Second
John D Unknown
Submitted on 15-Oct-2007 05:20:31 PM
Last updated on 06-Nov-2007 12:29:52 AM
You Asked
Once upon a time I read that there are eight things a table tennis player should do each time they hit the ball. Can you please refresh my memory as to what those eight things are? Thanks!!!
JD in Alabama, USA
and Alois Rosario said...
Hi John
There is a difference in what the player should do and what they should think about while playing a stroke.
I haven’t heard of the 8 things that you are referring to. There are probably a million things that a player should do when they are hitting a ball. I think the 2 most important are remaining balanced and watching the ball. Of course there is always the matter of making contact between bat and ball!
Repetitive stroke practice focusing on technique will allow you to eliminate a lot of things that you need to focus on and will enable you to concentrate on placement and speed of stroke during a game.
The doing and doing is important to allow yourself to learn effectively. A baby only learns to walk by doing and not by their parents sitting them down and explaining the intricate mechanics of their first step.
In a game situation there is only one thing that you should think about when you are playing and that is watching the ball.
If you are in a training situation, you can focus on one aspect that you are trying to improve or consolidate such as your stroke technique, your balance, your contact point or some other aspect you are focusing on, however you should only attempt to focus on these one at a time.
Comments on this question
Jeff Plumb commented...
on the 06-Nov-2007 12:29:52 AM
I'd have to agree with Alois especially about the point of thinking about only one thing when playing a match - watching the ball.
When it comes to training then you can try and work on improving various aspects of your game but still it is best then to work on one thing at a time
