Watching the Point of Contact on my Own Racket
Training
Stephen Anderson Asked 7 years ago
Hello PingSkills,
I have been playing for 20+ years and it was just recently brought to my attention that I do not watch the point of contact on my own racket. I tend to look where I want to hit the ball on the opponent's side of the table. I have been struggling to break this bad habit. When I deeply focus, I can watch the ball for a few hits but if the rally goes for more than a 4 or 5 hits, I quickly go back to my old habits.
Do you have any training ideas or thoughts to keep in my head to break this bad habit?
Thanks,
smanders
Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago
Hi Stephen,
I think it is very difficult to impossible to actually see the contact on your own racket because of the speed on the ball.
Watching the ball as much as you can is a good thing to aim for. In training you can put a marking on the ball that will keep your attention on the ball a bit easier. Do this for a little while and then go back to the normal ball and see if your attention remains the same.
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The Controller
Most drills involve one person performing the exercise and the other placing the ball as required by the exercise. We call this person placing the ball the controller. When you are acting as the controller it is a great opportunity to practice your blocking and concentration. As blocking is an important part of the game you should be 100% focused at this time. You also owe it to your training partner to be blocking effectively so they get the most from their exercise.
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Rohan Keogh Posted 7 years ago
Hi Stephen. Your realisation is one that I also went through recently. My post on this Ping Skills blog (scroll down 'til you find my 'handle') may give you a few ideas: https://www.pingskills.com/blog/starting-out-in-table-tennis
Cheers
thomas mcnamara Posted 7 years ago
Hi Stephen, I had success in tennis by watching the point of contact with a very still, very relaxed head. I'm trying to do the same thing with table tennis. When I do, good things happen.