Backing Up from the Table

I'm confused as to when players back up from the table and how quickly.  Obviously you back up when expecting hard shots from your opponent, but exactly how and at what point to move backwards is not is unclear to me.

Hi Donald,

That is right that a player will back up when they feel that their opponent is going to play a faster shot.  Getting the feel for that is something that takes time to gauge.  You also need to know your opponent to help with this.  One player may play a strong shot while another might find that same ball awkward.

It is important to constantly try to learn and read the game.  Again, experience is your best teacher.