Backhand Counterhit Footwork and Consistency
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 10 years ago
Erriza Shalahuddin Asked 11 years ago
Hi, coach.
Recently I practiced my backhand counterhit using the technique on pingskill's video. I realized that I don't have much problem when the ball come right in front of me, but I do when the ball came even just a little bit more to my right / left. I couldn't return it. I think my problem is the footwork. Is that right? How to deal with this and improve my backhand counterhit consistency?
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Erriza,
I think your analysis is good.
It is important especially with the backhand to be in a good position. This will come with some practice of the stroke. Think about the stroke like you are going to catch the ball with two hands in front of you. If you get to that position that you would to make the catch, you will be in a good position to hit the backhand. This will involve a sideways movement or a small shuffle with your feet.
Practice the stroke slowly and if you can get someone to place the ball in two different areas of the backhand so that you can practice this movement.
With better position you will gain better consistency.
Thoughts on this question
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Erriza Shalahuddin Posted 11 years ago
Thanks, coach.
Should I practice this in a footwork drill? Like modifying the forehand-forehand basic footwork drill into backhand-backhand? Actually, I have no idea on how I should practice my footwork, since I don't have any skillful enough partner to assist me in footwork drill.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Erriza,
Yes you are right do it like a footwork drill similar to the forehand forehand drill. Don't spread the shots as wide with the backhand footwork. Get the ball in the far backhand corner and then just on the backhand side of the middle line. Try this out and let me know how it goes.
Erriza Shalahuddin Posted 11 years ago
Hi, coach.
I've been very busy lately, so I haven't practiced my backhand yet. If you don't mind, would you make a video answer about this topic? I hope I can understand your instructions better through video.
Best regards.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Erriza,
We will add this to the list and see if we can get to it.
Erriza Shalahuddin Posted 10 years ago
Hi, coach. Thanks for your advices in advance. The "catch the ball" concept works with me very well. Now I'm able to position myself properly to do backhand counterhit, and my consistency has greatly improved. Not only the counterhit, but also the topspin and punch-block. I had a training partner whose backhand wasn't really consistent, so I trained with him and considering doing random backhand drill. Probably now my backhand is even better than my forehand.
Now I want to increase my consistency in my forehand, especially my forehand topspin. Do you have any similar tips for doing the forehand topspin footwork more easily?
Or maybe other pingskiller have any tips?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago
Great now with the forehand you need to concentrate on firstly the movement and then make sure you are playing your stroke correctly when you get there. Remember the key to the stroke is to get the finish positron right.