Stepping Towards Better Footwork
The proper use of footwork when playing table tennis has to be one of the most crucial steps towards having a successful match.
Footwork allows for a player to maintain proper balance. It also allows for the player to execute the shot effectively without error due to unbalance.
Good footwork will result in more consistent shots, quicker reaction to the ball, and more power for the return shot. Without good footwork, players will tend to lean and reach for a shot thereby causing the return to erratically head towards the other side of the table.
Start with your weight centered on the balls of your feet. Make sure you keep your heels barely touching the ground and your shoulders squared. This position allows for quicker explosion towards the shot as your body weight helps give you power.
As your opponent begins to return your shot, try to see where the ball is headed based off the position of their table tennis racket. However, refrain from moving until the opponent fully commits to the shot and not a second sooner. You don’t want to tip the opponent as to where to place the shot.
For forward and backward movements, it’s best to step with the foot that’s closest to the ball. With side movements however, you must decide how far the distance you must take in order to return the shot. This can be done using a one, two, or three-step approach.
With a one step approach, you simply shift the weight of your body towards your right leg and push your left foot further away from the left. Do the opposite if you need to go to the right.
Be sure to return back to the ready position after taking your shot in order to set yourself up for the next shot.
For two and three-step movements, it requires more advanced stepping techniques. The best way to perform these steps is to first lean towards the path of the oncoming shot.
Next, you pull the foot opposite of the way you’re leaning closer towards you. For two-step footwork, quickly shift the foot you first leaned into closer to the ball. You should end up in the ready position once again except that you’re now two to three feet away from when you first started.
For three-step movements, it’s similar to the two-step except you must make an additional step before you shift your feet back to the starting position. Above all, don’t swing towards the ball until you’re in the right position in order for you to have the correct balance.
