Footwork for short ball

Table Tennis Footwork

Last updated 10 years ago

Attila Váczi

Attila Váczi Asked 15 years ago

Sometimes if I step under the table with my right leg to chop a ball closed to the net and it comes back to my backhand quite high i cannot use backhand topspin. I cannot find the good rhythm. What should I do?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Attila,

You are right to put your right foot forward for the short push.  The important part then is to be able to move back quickly with this foot, back into the ready position.  Your left foot doesn't need to move too much here.  When you get your right foot back you will be in a good position to do the backhand topspin.

It is all about the footwork.


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Carol Day

Carol Day Posted 10 years ago

So pleased to have come across this answer.  I have been coaching players this footwork only to find they are being coached elsewhere the opposite. Very frustrating


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago

Yes it can be frustrating.  Hopefully this will help you.


Jeff Plumb

Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago

We also have a video response on this topic.

Footwork for a Short Ball



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