Stroke improvement

Nasir Pirbhai Asked 10 months ago

Hi. I have played casual table tennis on and off for several years. I have now taken it more seriously and have been getting a little coaching. My forehand stroke is terribly out of form. I tend to not use my torso and at the end of my stroke I open the angle of my paddle. How can I correct this?

Alois Rosario Answered 10 months ago

Hi Nasir,

It’s fantastic to hear that you’ve decided to take your table tennis game to the next level. Improving your forehand stroke is a great way to enhance your overall play. Here are a few tips to help you correct the issues you've described:

1. Engage Your Torso: The power in a forehand stroke comes not just from your arm, but from your entire body. Start by practising your footwork and stance. Make sure your feet are wider than shoulder width apart, with your knees slightly bent. Rotate your torso as you prepare to hit the ball.  The rotation doesn't need to be big, just a small movement back and forward.
2. Focus on Paddle Angle: Keeping the paddle angle consistent throughout the stroke is crucial. Practice keeping your your paddle angle slightly closed (facing downward) when you make contact with the ball. This will help you avoid opening up the paddle at the end of your stroke. Focus on the end of the stroke and what your paddle angle is at the end.  If you just play one ball at a time and not a rally, you can stop your stroke and check it.
3. Video Analysis: Sometimes, what we feel we are doing and what we are actually doing can be quite different. Record yourself playing and watch the videos to observe your form. Look specifically for how much your torso is involved in your strokes and the angle of your paddle throughout the stroke.
4. Seek Feedback: Since you're already getting some coaching, make sure to discuss these specific issues with your coach. They can provide direct feedback and tailored drills to correct your form.