How to predict where the opponent will aim
Mental Preparation
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Axel Alpadie Asked 1 month ago
With my limited mobility I can't dash towards balls and so I have to use prediction to save myself time to reach. What are some ways to predict where they will aim?
Alois Rosario Answered 1 month ago
Hi Axel,
The important thing here is to not try to predict but instead watch the ball carefully and track it during the rally.
Your opponent can change the direction of the ball right until the point of impact. Therefore watching the ball gives you the best information as to where it is coming. While you are watching the ball you will also notice peripherally what your opponent if doing with their hand and body and recognise some patterns in what they are doing however, by far the most important part is tracking the ball.
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Paul Griz Posted 1 week ago
Great point!
Thank you
Doug Schafer Posted 1 week ago
Also good to know what direction and how much the ball changes direction after it bounces on receiver's side of the table.
Opposite (my attack) is to spin ball away from opponent's best return possibility and fool them to miss a ball that changes direction (from spin) away from where they think it will go. And sometimes change the spin direction so they don't get comfortable predicting bounce direction.
Spinning ball to bounce "into the person", throws off their ability to return well.
Jim Carbone Posted 1 week ago
I am improving by observing where my opponents paddle is and how it is angled as soon after I hit the ball as possible. It is not every time but this starts to give intel on how to prepare for the next shot. Their direction may not be obvious all of the time but most of the time and certainly the method they use to strike the ball, underspin or topspin will be revealed in the vast majority of cases. Getting that extra fraction of a second to anticipate what your reaction should be is very helpful even if only to narrow down the options of shots you should use.