Mid distance to close distance play
Footwork
Xariuz Cruz Asked 11 years ago
Hi Pingskills! I found that I start to play mid-far distance more than close distance play, this will add more laziness to me and how can I start to play close distance? I use XIOM Vega Elite + Yinhe Moon on a Yinhe MC2 blade
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Xariuz,
You could put a marker on the floor and in training check that you are not moving behind the marker. This will focus attention on your position.
Recommended Video
How to Win Close Table Tennis Matches (9–9 Strategy Explained)
What should you do when the score is 9–9 or deuce? One point can be the difference between victory and frustration. In this video, we break down how to win close table tennis matches with a smart, pressure-tested strategy.
🏓 In this video, you'll learn:
- Why pressure changes everything at 9–9
- What top players do differently in close games
- The 3 biggest mistakes players make at deuce (and how to fix them)
- Simple drills to train your mind and body for high-pressure points
🎯 Takeaway: Winning close matches isn’t about playing harder—it’s about playing smarter.
💬 Question for you:
What’s your go-to serve or tactic at 9–9? Or… what mistake do you often make in tight matches? Let us know in the comments!
Thoughts on this question
Become a free member to post a comment about this question.
mat huang Posted 11 years ago
i dont think it is a bad idea to play mid distance
1) YOu wont get lazier- it is harder as it requires more power and more footowrk
2) Most of the top players/intermediate generally do a lot of counterlooping]
If you like playing close distance it is also good
Xariuz Cruz Posted 11 years ago
Yeah, mid distance is good, but I cant learn some more close distance play if like this!
Ilia Minkin Posted 10 years ago
Hi Alois,
I have a question. I see that people often say something like "X is a close to the table looper" or "Y is a mid-distance looper". What is the difference? I don't understand it, since for me there is my perfect hitting zone for each ball. If the ball is shallow, I'm a "close to the table looper", if the ball is deep, I'm a "mid-distance looper" and my distance is dictated by the ball, not my intentions.
Hi Ilia,
I guess some players if given the choice like to be a little further away from the table and take the ball later in its trajectory while others take it closer to the bounce.
D K Posted 9 years ago
This does not affect the game too much.
No matter how fat or tall the player is,he can always overcome this if he has strong legs.
And additionally,tall player has usually longer arms,thus it is really better for him to play mid-range,as his swing needs more time and also can be more powerful due to increased lever effect.
Also,he can generate more spin,because he can have longer stroke.Thirdly,he has longer range from one place.
As far as for examples,typical short-range attackers are usually shortpips hitters,such as He Zhi Wen or Liu Guoliang.
Typical mid-range looper is fr example Xu Xin.
Between Ovtcharov and Oshima there is much less difference.