anticipating your opponent's positional play

wong foo Asked 15 years ago

Hi Alois,

I'm back again with a question.

I noticed that in match game, the way to anticipate my opponent's next placing is by looking at his hand holding the bat. If he puts it down for a chop, the best thing is to go on offensive. If he swings on an offensive mode, the best way is to use a counter block.

The question is - do you have any other methods in anticipating your opponent's next placement?

Regards,

Wong

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Wong,

The most important thing is to watch the ball very closely. This will allow you through your peripheral vision to see the bat hand and everything else that will give you information as to where the ball is coming.

There is always a lot of information from your opponent so as long as you are watching the ball carefully you will give yourself an opportunity to see what is coming.

By seeing the direction of the ball earlier you will give yourself a better chance of reacting in time.

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Thoughts on this question (1)

Jackson Meyn Posted 15 years ago

After months of hearing my coaches tell us to keep our eye on the ball, the other day one of them said he thinks I watch the ball too closely! i.e. I have such a narrow focus on the ball that I do not take in surroundings like opponents bat and playing arm, so am often getting caught out when we do randomising drills. e.g. a random number of forehands before your partner switches one to your backhand. Any advice for someone who has the opposite problem?