Standing on my toes?
Strokes
Claus Hamacher Asked 13 years ago
Somebody at my club told me to stand on my toes rather than flat-footed while executing my strokes. Is that sound advice?
Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago
Hi Claus,
It is good to have the weight a little forward. You shouldn't be right up on your toes because you would find it difficult to balance yourself like that.
Take a look at our lesson on the Ready Position. This will give you a few more good ideas.
Recommended Video
Footwork Basics
Good footwork is the foundation of a strong table tennis game. In this video, we break down the essential steps to move efficiently and stay balanced during rallies.
✅ Key Footwork Tips You'll Learn:
- ✔️ How to bend your knees and position your feet correctly
- ✔️ The shuffle step—jumping while keeping your feet the same width apart
- ✔️ A simple step-by-step drill to improve movement and positioning
- ✔️ How to progress from single-ball drills to faster multi-ball exercises
By jumping into position and stopping, you ensure a stable base before playing each shot—leading to better accuracy and control.
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Arnon Thaicharoen Posted 13 years ago
Most of your weight should rest upon the balls of your feet, not on your toes and definitely not on your heels. You can try different body position until you find the one that allows you to move quickly, without losing balance. Also your knees should bend and stay bent during the match.
Remember, the point of all this is for you to be able to move to the ball as quick as possible and ready to play the stroke correctly.
Claus Hamacher Posted 13 years ago