problem in movement

hey hi...

i am playing table tennis since i was 8 i.e. almost from 10 yrs I am a national player......and the only problem with me is in my movement......my movement is very poor......I am flat footed also..so can flatfootedness be a reason behind this???

Hi Teena,

Footwork can be learned, but it takes a lot of repetition.  Practice the movements first in a closed pattern, i.e. you always know where the abll is going.  Repeat this often until the movement becomes a lot more natural.  You can do an endless number of patterns.  The key is to concentrate on your movement.  Remember the pattern of Move, Stop, Hit.  A common mistake is to try and hit while you are still moving.  You feet should be still whenthe ball hits your bat.  That is why we need to practice the movement often so you get into position before you hit the ball.

Work on using your legs, keep your feet wide apart, further than shoulder width, and staying down quite low, almost like you are starting to sit down. This will help you balance and movement.