OOAK Table Tennis Forum

Just thought I'd pass this along in case anyone else has the same issue....

I've had trouble with my FH consistency....to the point where it's like having the "yips" in golf...

Could never figure it out....I'd drill...I'd watch vids....you name it. I'm older but well above average athletically....(which makes what I'm about to pass along mildly embarrassing)

After watching a video clip yesterday morning....I realized my stance was too narrow.
I've heard it a 10,000 times: "Keep your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart" and just assumed that I was already doing it...(being the natural athlete and all )

So I went to the club last night...and consciously kept my feet at least shoulder width apart...which then automatically lowered my stance and......suddenly I was BALANCED!.

"BALANCED!" I could finally get the sensation of using my legs and torso instead of all arm.

Wow! That center of gravity thing actually DOES make a difference!!

Bottom line: My timing was exponentially better (meaning my FH was more consistent) and I was getting to balls faster.

I'll keep working on it....

Been there, done that...
Started out a few years ago, reviving an old club. I'd been telling the kids about stance and balance, always trying to help them improve their game. Then, about a year ago, we had one of Norway's top coaches visiting our club, and he told me the exact same thing I'd been telling our other players.

I guess you don't see yourself as well as you see everyone else. For self development, a video may help a little. Mirrors in the playing area may help even more, if you have the time to look there while playing. When (like me) you don't have that, you just have to remind yourself of the basics, about twice as often as you need to advise others. My experience: it really helps.

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My blog of failures, etc., also containing equipment list at "resurrection" (referred to in a few of my early posts), and my current lineup
Rating in the middle/low range in the region.
Moderating the LP Attacking subforum in the Technique section.

U really get a good first step on the ball with a lower, wider stance. Makes worlds of difference. Also, spin generation is much better with wide stance.

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Goof-off chopping bat
Gambler All Rosewood
Aurus Soft / Gambler GXL .6 sponge

Status - Out of Business Janitor/Babysitter

It works, its important but it's hard!

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Butterfly Viscaria Black tag
2.2 mm Nexy Karis M on FH and BH

After reading this post, I thought I would make a conscious effort to keep a wider base today at practice. It made a huge difference. My legs were a little more tired, but I did make more shots and generally play better. It felt like I was in the game more than usual with my head just that much closer to the table. I just had to remind myself between points not to get too upright or I started making more mistakes and getting out of position.

Good idea for a thread - it gave me a boost!

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Offensive Setup: Blade: Tibhar Stratus Power Wood, BH Friendship 802-40 (black) 1.8, FH Friendship 802-40 (red) 2.15
Defensive Setup: Blade: Butterfly Joo Se Hyuk, FH Friendship 802-40 (red) 1.8, BH TSP P-1R (black) 0.5

Doing a wider stance and lowering your head, you can read the ball better and reach for a shot better.

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Enjoy the game. It is a never ending learning experience once you play and keep the ball on that 45 sq ft of space or should I say half of that space.