Improving the short game
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 6 years ago
martin k Asked 6 years ago
In general, I notice that my short game needs some improvement. I am a bit too eager to do some long pushes, even though they can work well in many situations. However, it would be nice to get more double bounce pushes in. I usually always try to add a little backspin on each push to be certain that the ball does not become to easy, but I find that it still pops up too high. Especially when receiving shots with little spin or even no spin. I believe that maybe the wrist and underarm must be even more relaxed.
Would you recommend to take the ball earlier, before the top of the bounce? Aiming for the top of the net is a good idea, just like in one of your tutorials, or should I aim somewhere else?
Alois Rosario Answered 6 years ago
Hi Martin,
For the short push try to hit the ball as close to the bounce as you can. This allows you to hit the ball form closer to the net and also from a lower position. This will help to keep the ball low and short.
Don't focus too much on the amount of spin you are generating. Just focus on the angle of your racket and keeping your hand and fingers as relaxed as possible. Yes and aiming for the top of the net is a good way to start.
The short game is an important part of the game that is often ignored. Keep working on it and you will gain a big advantage.
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martin k Posted 6 years ago
Thanks, this is really good advice :) I am still working on it, and it is of course harder with a bit unpredictable bouncy tenergy rubber, but I will get there.
Marcin Lonak Posted 6 years ago
I also like to improve my shortgame. On my level, the problem is, my teammates don’t see the nessesity and have no patience to practice/improve this skill...
taking the ball early right of the bounce, if you tilt the racket right, and the ball goes right over the net, will get automaticly some backspin on the ball without any action of yours, especially when the incoming ball have some backspin and is not too soft. If the incoming ball has no spin, you can generate some bs by chopping into table. Be patient not to damage your racket.
If the incoming ball has no spin and is soft, I fin it quite hard put backspin on it. I concentrate more on placement and height. I also thing the arc should have the peak on your table side, so it’s already falling over the net. The arc of a no spin peaks earlier. My first choice here would be flick anyway.
Marcin Lonak Posted 6 years ago
Actually not sure about the arc. Probably best to have the peak right over the net in any case.