When to step back

I have developed a table tennis game style that keeps me relatively close to the table.  I can often do well by keeping the ball short and waiting for the first opportunity to attack.  I also play decent at 3 to 5 feet from the table.  However I am having trouble with my transition from "very close to table" and the 3 to 5 feet from the table range.  I have trouble instinctively knowing when to move back so if my opponent should attack first I often find myself way too close to the table to have any chance in returning the ball.  What practice exercises or drills do you reccomend that would help me develop the instincts of when to move back.

Hi Geoff,

You can try doing a drill where you topspin one ball and then block the next on and get your opponent to topspin at you.  After your block you can move back slightly to give yourself more time.  This will help you to practice the movement from close to slightly further away.