OOAK Table Tennis Forum

Here is a short clip explaining the importance of recovering to the right area of the table.

Do you feel you do this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCjkAvYHCrs&t

Lot's of people don't. I've found in my coaching experience that there is a perception among players that in "drill" work the drill is only practice for the person doing the "movement". The "controller" who often stands still (but not always), as you demonstrate in your video, is seen almost as a punishment by players to be endured until it's "their turn at the other end" and footwork becomes non existent along with recovery.

I think it's very important to emphasis not only what you are saying (although the extent to how far across you move is up for debate depending on angles, personal technique and shot preference and strengths) but also that any drill or exercise should serve to develop both the "controllers" game and the "active" players game. I know for a fact, the TT England coaches are extremely keen to introduce an element of semi-irregular / irregular drill work as soon as possible in to a players development. That type of approach demands better footwork, understanding of angles and particularly observational / anticipation skills - the later of which also often goes uncovered in coaching.

Thank you for posting your video.

Thanks for your reply.

I find it very interesting when coaching how few players know what recovery triangles or lines of play are. So many seem to just recover to same spot no matter where they hit the ball or plonk themselves in the middle of the table.

Golden advice. Thanks for sharing.