What is "touch" in table tennis?
"Touch" refers to your feel for the ball and your ability to control it delicately. It's essential for:
- Soft returns: Dropping the ball short with backspin.
- Precise placement: Playing the ball to specific locations on the table.
- Deception: Masking your shots and making them hard to read.
Key areas to focus on:
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Grip and wrist flexibility:
- Relaxed grip: Hold the blade firmly but not tensely. Allow for wrist movement.
- Wrist exercises: Practice wrist curls and rotations to improve flexibility and control.
- Vary grip pressure: Experiment with different grip pressures for different shots.
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Ball Feel and Contact:
- Thin contact: Brush the ball for backspin and delicate shots.
- Thicker contact: Hit through the ball more for topspin and power.
- Contact point: Adjust your contact point (in front, on top, or behind the ball) to control spin and trajectory.
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Soft Hands and Absorbing Pace:
- Cushioning the ball: Absorb the incoming ball's energy to maintain control.
- Soft hands drills: Practice drills that emphasize gentle contact and ball control.
- Block close to the table: Develop a soft block to control powerful shots.
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Spin Sensitivity and Control:
- Reading spin: Pay close attention to the ball's rotation and adjust your racket angle accordingly.
- Varying spin: Practice adding different types and amounts of spin to your shots.
- Spin drills: Work on drills that specifically target spin development (e.g., backspin/topspin rallies).
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Practice Drills:
- Drop shot practice: Focus on consistently dropping the ball short with backspin.
- Short game drills: Practice serving, returning serves, and playing short pushes.
- Multi-ball training: Have a coach or partner feed you multi-ball with varying spin and speed.
Tips for Improvement:
- Slow down: Practice at a slower pace to focus on technique and control.
- Visualize: Imagine the desired trajectory and spin before hitting the ball.
- Be patient: Improving touch takes time and consistent effort.
- Get feedback: Ask a coach or experienced player to observe your technique and provide feedback.
Remember:
- Consistency is key: Regular practice is essential for developing touch.
- Focus on quality over quantity: Concentrate on executing each shot with precision.
- Enjoy the process: Improving your touch should be a fun and rewarding experience.