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Dealing with the Middle Ball

Strokes

Abhiram Reddy
Abhiram Reddy Asked 12 years ago

Hello Alois.

I have two questions to ask :

1)How do I deal with balls coming into my crossover point from my forehand side? Especially the long and flat counterhits/punches near my forehand that drop off the table without bouncing much.I tend to sway sidewards/backwards and hit them but more often than not I am caught out of position doing so on the next ball.Even the forehand block against long flat hits closer to my body tends to become awkward as I need to maintain an open bat  , dealing with a topspin would be easier since the wrist naturally closes on the ball slightly.

2)Regarding my footwork , when I bend and lean slightly forward, it becomes difficult to move forward/backward. What is the right footwork to move forwards/backwards with ease? Can you suggest any exercises to improve this?

 

Alois Rosario
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Abhiram,

If you can get lower with your legs and wider this will give you a better base to work with.  For the faster ball to the middle, just use your waist to help yo to turn and get out of the way.  With a wide base of your legs you can also move your upper half sideways and still remain balanced for the next ball.

To move in and out you can jump with both legs forwards and backwards or turn and use a side shuffling step to move in and out.

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Roman Adar

Roman Adar Posted 11 years ago

Jeff and Alosi, great replay and even without the picture its easy to understand and I've seen the top players really bending and twisting their bodies and being closer to the ground, when caught in this peculiar situation. Thanks for your replies.

Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago Latest

No problems Roman.

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