Improving Body Reflexes

Ping Pong being a fast paced sport and equally tricky situations develops the players body reflexes and improve the reflexes as time goes by.

When asked the question, at what age did you learn to walk ? Innocently the reply came "I cannot remember", Did you remember falling ? Got you there !

As innocent as it sounds, the fact is we all learnt to walk naturally by reflex. We learnt it by repeatedly desiring to walk, and no matter how many times we fall, we tried and tried until suddenly, lo and behold, we started walking. By the way I have never met anyone who refused to learn to walk.

Well table tennis is the same, no matter how many times you fail to serve or to return, as long as you never give up, you too will begin to play and through a process called dexterity, you can if you will start playing like a pro. Now back to our topic, how ping pong improves your reflexes.

Ping Pong requires that you have a strong support base, at the same time ensuring your center of gravity is forward whilst contacting the ball and applying the various strokes such as brushing, chopping or spinning to return the ball in rally. This is where footwork comes to the rescue.

Most players have experienced this ... the ball goes to your forehand, you lean that way, and suddenly you can not move, you lean more and although you are able to make a return, you are already off balance. Your opponent simply places the ball towards your backhand and all you can do is watch the ball go pass.

The key to this is footwork. At all times during the game we move from ready position. As the ball is served and returned, our eyes are kept on the ball, anticipating the ball's landing, we should start by hopping to that direction allowing us enough time to do the back swing and forward swing thus returning the ball in rallies.

Whether it is a forehand or a backhand, break the habit of leaning towards the ball, instead stepping or hopping (footwork) is encouraged. Proper footwork can be learnt thru dexterity, and of course, from your coach. Some of the most common ones are Side Step, Forward Step, Back Step and Pivot Step.

Also, remember to take a rest when you feel tired. Do not overplay so to say.

Enjoy and catch up with you the next time, God Willing.

Cheeriooo !