Ideal distance to return a smash

Strokes

Omonoiadam Hadjivasiliou
Omonoiadam Hadjivasiliou Asked 13 years ago

Hi.

Where i should stand if i have to reply a smash?

I often go too far and  i can't hit a dropshot back. If I stand too close, i don't have enough time to react.


Alois Rosario
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Omonoiadam,

You should move back to a distance where you can react and play a lob from around waist to shoulder height.  If you are too close you will find it difficult to react fast enough and if you are to far back you will give your opponent too much time and space to work with.

Getting a feel for this is experience.  Eventually you will just move to the best position.

I think my favourite player, Jan Ove Waldner, was the best at this.  It almost looked like players were smashing the ball straight to him because he could position himself so well. 


Recommended Video

Table Tennis Video Tutorial

Forehand Pivot Footwork

The pivot is where you are moving around your backhand corner to play a forehand. This is something that will come in handy in a match situation, especially if you have a stronger forehand. We will show you the best way to move in the pivot footwork.

Watch Now

Thoughts on this question


Omonoiadam Hadjivasiliou

Omonoiadam Hadjivasiliou Posted 13 years ago

Thanks. And have you managed to spell my name correctly yet or no? ;D

Ian Costello

Ian Costello Posted 13 years ago

Nope. :[

Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 13 years ago
We did struggle with it.  Especially when we went to say it the other day.


Joe Cawley

Joe Cawley Posted 13 years ago

That video had me rollin!!  It's amazing when your mind keeps telling you to laugh!

Kaustubh Kulkarni

Kaustubh Kulkarni Posted 11 years ago

LoL laughter is infectious !!!! :D

Hi! I'm Alois from PingSkills.OmonoiaHaAHaAhahhahahahahhaha ! Loved it :P


Jeff Plumb

Member Badge Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

If you are wondering about all the laughter, here is Alois struggling with Omonoiadam's name.


D K

D K Posted 9 years ago

And if I want to chop a smash,should I wait it when it falls at my knees level or try to chop it when it is higher?
And also-should I make a powered brushing fast action or make somthing like shovel move to hold the ball on the bat for a long time-and risk that the ball will not have enough power to get on the table?


Become a free member to post a comment about this question.