Improving Balance

Staying balanced and being able to quickly change direction are key to being successful in a ping pong rally. This is especially important for the elderly. Being quick on the feet, as well as able to maintain balance throughout each rally and game.

This is the reason why we find choppers and long pips users, although being on the defensive can actually out wit their opponents. Nevertheless, the game of ping pong involves continuous light movements which requires the players to shift their center of gravity constantly and yet maintain stability or a firm base support. Whether you are an all rounder, defensive or offensive player.

The impact of the equipment you use, for most beginners, will have a direct influence on how fast they learn the game and learn to develop a sense of rhythm whilst playing the game.

Most people like a fast game, thinking a "fast blade" would help them deliver fast spinning balls, they fumble on the control. The picture below shows how at high speed, balance is maintained with a strong support base of the body while executing a return.

Immediately after executing the return, players must return to "Ready Position" for the next shot, maneuvering a position of back swing of the racket and again be in a strong support base, (chinese martial artist calls this "MAH KIEOK" meaning stanch of a horse) with the center of gravity of his/her body forward towards the ball. How can any player not improve balance this way, except that they are just playing for fun. Which by the way has nothing wrong with it. The key is to enjoy the sport.

I will leave the above picture to your imagination, technically this is a cross step footwork being executed.

One final note as you get back to your game of ping pong. Whenever you go for the ball, start with your legs by hopping to position yourself as opposed to leaning towards the ball, and using your arm and hand movements.

If you have not had your dosage of ping pong this week, don't wait, get out there now. And yes don't let them get away this time. Go get them TIGER.

Enjoy and have FUN Ping Ponging.