Footwork, Footwork, Footwork
Many table tennis players who are starting out, and even players with a fair amount of experience often don’t think much about footwork. That’s natural considering the small amount of area you cover, especially as an amateur player who plays for recreation.
However, because of that small amount of area you of have very little time to react to shots.
Just as preparing your upper body for a hit is important to strike the ball cleanly, it is just as important to get the legs and feet in the right stance to accomplish the best result.
You need to be in the best position to have the proper balance and weight transfer to get the torque on the ball that is necessary to play with authority.
The best way to keep your footwork solid is to stay moving at all times. This means never let your feet settle on the ground, keep them bouncing. After you hit a shot, return your feet to a wide base parallel to the edge of the table.
Your upper body should also be square to the table. When you return to the ready position, make sure to keep the feet bouncing.
At first you will have to consciously force yourself to do this, but it will soon become habitual and melt into the rest of your game, and you will see significant improvement.
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