Significant improvement in ball control, coupled with an understanding of touch, can be achieved off the table using the following exercises:
1. Bouncing the ball on the forehand side of the bat, attempting to achieve a uniform height.
2. As 1 but using the backhand side of the bat.
3. Bouncing the ball each side of the bat alternately.
4. Repeating exercises 1, 2 and 3 but varying the height of the bounce.
5. Repeating all exercises but with added movement such as walking or light jogging.
Success and improvements with these exercises will be best achieved if the angle of the elbow is around 90 degrees and reasonable space is maintained between the elbow and the body. Basic ball skills and touch can be further developed through the use of fun games
Backhand Push
TASK
- To make the ball bounce twice on the receiver's side. The second bounce to be on or near the receiver's base line with a trace of backspin.
WHY?
- To keep the ball safe from the opponent attacking the ball.
- To increase the opportunity to attack.
HOW?
- Stance - Facing the line of play
- Table Position - Close
- Length of Swing - Short with 50% before contact 50% after
- Timing - Top of the bounce
- Body Movement - Nil
- Bat Arm Movement - Moves from the elbow in an horizontal plane
- Free Arm - Points to ball acting as a reference point.
WHEN
- The approaching ball is likely to bounce twice.
TEACHING TIPS
- Strike the back bottom part of the ball with a very light touch.
Forehand Drive
TASK
- 100 mph. Close to the base or a side line with a trace of topspin.
WHY?
- To decrease the amount of time available to the opponent.
HOW?
- Stance - Side to facing the line of play
- Table Position - Close
- Length of Swing - Medium with 50% before contact and 50% after
- Timing - Top of the bounce
- Body Movement - Upper body rotates approx. 45 degrees to the right, turning back to face the ball. The body weight moves from the right foot to the left on production.
- Bat Arm Movement - The bat moves forward and slightly upward in the direction that the ball is to travel. The bat angle is slightly closed
- Free Arm - Points to the ball as a reference point, assisting with the body turn and balance
WHEN?
- The approaching ball has either height and/or depth.
TEACHING TIPS
- Strike the top back part of the ball with a forceful brush in an upward direction.
- Place the forefinger of the free hand on the playing wrist to aid the feeling of the upper body rotation.
Backhand Drive
TASK
- 100 mph. Close to the base or a side line with a trace of topspin
WHY?
- To decrease the amount of time available to the opponent.
HOW?
- Stance - Facing the line of play
- Table Position - Close
- Length of Swing - Medium with 50% before contact and 50% after
- Timing - Top of the bounce
- Body Movement - Nil
- Bat Arm Movement - The bat moves forward and slightly upward in the direction that the ball is to travel. The bat angle is slightly closed. The elbow produces the forward movement with a loose wrist the topspin aspect
- Free Arm - Points to the ball as a reference point.
TEACHING TIPS
- The action is similar to that of throwing a Frisbee. Striking the top back part of the ball with a forceful brushing action.
Forehand Push
TASK
- To make the ball bounce twice on the receiver's side. The second bounce to be on or near the receiver's base line. With a trace of backspin.
WHY?
- To keep the ball safe from the opponent attacking the ball.
- To increase the opportunity to attack.
HOW?
- Stance - Facing the line of play
- Table Position - Close
- Length of swing - Short with 50% before contact 50% after
- Timing - Top of the bounce
- Body Movement - As a reduced version of the forehand drive
- Bat Arm Movement - Moves from the elbow in an horizontal plane
- Free Arm - Points to ball acting as a reference point. Assisting with the body and balance
WHEN?
- The approaching ball is likely to bounce twice.
TEACHING TIPS
- Strike the back bottom part of the ball with a very light touch.
- The ball should have a trace of backspin.
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