says
beginner (rating 700)
Thats it!Random multiball placements and types of spin
Some good advice guys, thanks.
Are you guys able to block smashes by just standing at the edge of the table? I find that when I hit a high ball, I start backing up immediately because I know I won't have time to react if I'm up close to the table.
Also as your opponent hits random shots at you think about getting better at anticipating where the ball is going from how the opponent's body is set up just prior to his hitting the shot. Good players unconsciously do this well but simply KNOWING this is a skill helps you learn to do it a bit faster and design some drills to acquire it. Koki Niwa is amazing at this. Back in the day Waldner looked like he was moving slowly his anticipation was so good.
A lot of what people think are reflexes is actually anticipation.
By the way, in a strict sense, nothing we do in TT is reflex, at least as defined on neuroscience. Reflexes are simple networks, 3 or 4 synapses, automatic, many never get higher than the spinal cord, and generally not trainable.
Reactions to stimuli can be increased a little. But anticipation is always better than reaction.
Can I block smashes from close to the table? I succeed more often if I can see in advance where they are going.
Learn to see and read your opponent's body before he hits the ball.