Footwork for a Short Ball
Table Tennis Footwork
Last updated 6 years ago
Bennett Burke Asked 12 years ago
What specific footwork do you suggest to come in and out for a short forehand or backhand push so that you can be ready for another push, return a topspin shot coming your way or hit a topspin against backspin if there is the opportunity? I've seen several different possibilities when watching the pros on youtube. Maybe a video?
Thanks
Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago
Hi Bennett,
The main thing is to move your right foot in and out fast. You need to only really move your right foot and just use your left for balance. Then push off this foot to get back to the ready position again. From there you can go back in for another short ball or be ready to play an attacking stroke as well.
Watch this video response to the question titled Footwork for a Short Ball.
Thoughts on this question
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mat huang Posted 11 years ago
Good vid! BUt Ma long mentioned in a video that you should make a small move with left foot before moving with right leg for extra balance
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Yes you can do that and it is a good idea to remain balanced. Firstly though focus on the right foot moving in.
Rory Scott Posted 11 years ago
I suggest that for wide short balls to the backhand side, the left foot (for a right-hander) is used to step in, to avoid the right foot crossing over the left.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Yes, the critical thing is the backhand corner of the table. If the ball is on the left of the corner you can then use your left foot to come in. ANything on the right of the corner you use your right foot.
Rory Scott Posted 11 years ago
Yes that's exactly what I meant.
Ujjal Chatterjee Posted 11 years ago
Hi, Jeff,
Wonderful video. Explains clearly the advantage of putting right foot (for right handed player) for short ball.
Regards.
Ralf Herrmann Posted 8 years ago
Hi there :-), the video isn´t here. Only a error message....
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 8 years ago
Woops, try now. Thanks for pointing this out Ralf :)
Ujjal Chatterjee Posted 8 years ago
Thank You Alois & Jeff for the wonderful explanation / demonstration for short ball footwork.
kathy mckelvey Posted 7 years ago
Thank you Jeff for the practical footwork explanation!!
Manfred Posted 7 years ago
a typical pingskill video. Nice and clear. Well done coach!
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 7 years ago
Thanks Manfred :)