Counter hit or Push

Erkan Sahin Asked 13 years ago

I am a table tennis trainer in, Kusadasi Town of Turkey, teaching boys and girls -ages 8,9,10,11,12-, in a school. ı began with holding the bat and went on teaching them backhand and forehand counterhits and later footwork movements and than began blocking and topspin. Then I tried to teach them push, both backhand and forehand. But I was not quite successful. Backhand was so so, but their forhand push never improved the way I expected them. I could never get real chopping because of that. Now I ask this question to myself: "Should I have first taught them how to push and went on teaching counterhits?" I will be happy if you answer this question in facebook. Thank You very much. Erkan Sahin

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Erkan,

The forehand push is an awkward stroke no matter when you teach it to students.  Get them to focus on a small movement with their fingers and wrist rather than too much movement with their arm.  See if that helps.