Fake step and shoulder deception

Peter Habich Asked 12 years ago

Hi Alois,

In his excellent book Table Tennis for Thinkers by Larry Hogdes he often speaks of the benefit of deception.  He gives the example of playing a backhand serve to the backhand side of the opponent.

After the serve one should do immediately a fake step to left and shortly before the opponent is about to push one should step back in the initial position.  The opponent is decepted by your step to the left and tries to push to your forehand site where you already stand and probably can play a loop for a winner.  You were one step ahead of your opponents reaction.

Are these kinds of deceptions common in today's top class table tennis and could you also recommend it for a recreational player like me ?

Regards

Peter

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Peter,

I don't think the fake step is something that you should focus too much on.  The game is too fast to be trying to do these sorts of things.  The deception that you can make is by subtle changes in your placement and speed with your fingers and wrist and perhaps your shoulder as well.

First though as we always say, focus on the basics and making sure you are doing them well then you can add the subtleties as you go along.