I recorded myself

[PenHoldSandro]

Honestly, I think the reason you hit flat is you are so late you are just throwing your racket at the ball because, otherwise, it will simply just go past you.

Your reaction time is not the issue. Once you react, you react fast....too fast to do anything useful so you are often just throwing your racket at the ball. It is not reaction time. It is that you are reacting way later than you should.

Ohh, so I put in my mind that I should react later, and that I could react earlier but I just don't?

Here is how this should work.
1) part of your stroke should be a reset.
2) you should be reset in a neutral position ready to take the ball with FH or BH BEFORE your shot lands on your opponent's side.
3) the reason you should be reset before your shot lands on your opponent's side is so you can watch what your opponent is doing to the ball as the ball is coming to him.
4) if you watch the ball into your opponent's racket and see what your opponent does to the ball, you should be moving to and setting for the ball that is coming back to you shortly after the ball leaves his racket and long before the ball crosses the net. (You are not reacting to where the ball is going until after it lands on your side of the table).

Oh ok man, I tend to lose focus easily (idk why), but I will try that next time I get the chance to play!

One thing about this that does not seem to apply to you is, most of the time, you are not taking a stroke. You are just so late that all you can do is throw your racket at the ball and hope. But when you do that, after, you stand and wait as though you are not paying attention, and then you only respond to the ball coming at you after it has landed on your side.

So, I think, regardless of how you get the ball to the other side, you should come back to a ready position and try to watch what your opponent does to the ball. Reset and watch the opponent. Try to be reset and ready for the next ball, before your shot lands on the other side. Start there.

That drill where you are trying to get 100 shots in a row on the table will force you to reset and watch. It is unlikely you will be able to get 100 shots each, if you are not both doing what I described above....unless you are simply dinking the ball over to each other which would simply be a waste of time.

All right man, I will.

How about the weight transferring part? Any problem with that, or is it just the late reaction?

 

[Aizen]

Firstly as I know you have already a coach, it's better to just stick to his/her teachings.

secondly, don't get discouraged but also don't try too hard at beginning, the basics mechanics and ball feeling are essentials, they should be mastered first.

Thirdly, this place seems very narrow, I think it might even hurt your form, if you have possibility, you can shift the table to side to get more space behind. Otherwise, try to work different drills, like short serve receive etc.

Probably, due to lack of space and not matured footwork, in all these your body position is wrong. So without proper positioning, swing, weight transfer etc is secondary matters.

This is for BH example, I'm not penhold player but as I know, you should be leaning forward, should have some space to swing properly.

similar approach also for over table FH drive, flick and pushes, you right feet should be in front, and also body weight should be closer to ball.

So again, don't be discouraged by my comments, but my recommendation would be patient and stick to fundamentals. (of course play for fun casually good but do the right thing as much as possible rather than fancy speedy shots, it could be hard to focus everything at once, so you may try to practice basics like FH-FH drive until you become decent on it)
As because you already has a coach, I think no need to share video tutorial or details.

 

[UpSideDownCarl]

Ohh, so I put in my mind that I should react later, and that I could react earlier but I just don't?

I have no idea what you mean. But it sounds like this is backwards. As soon as you see where the ball is going, you should be moving or adjusting to where the ball is going. Ideally, this should happen before the ball gets to the net, long before the ball goes over the net, ideally, as soon after the opponent hits the ball as possible.

Oh ok man, I tend to lose focus easily (idk why), but I will try that next time I get the chance to play!

Part of why is you are playing in a place where there are tons of distractions. This is why you should not be playing in a place with people walking past you, talking to you and distracting you. To play TT well you need to be able to put your entire focus on the ball and on what you are doing.

[edit: I want to amend the statement above: if you are just playing with family for fun, you can do it where ever you want and however you want. But if you are expecting to train and improve, it should be somewhere where the distractions are table tennis and the distractions are held to a minimum. For fun, sure, play anywhere. But that is not the same as training to improve.]

How about the weight transferring part? Any problem with that, or is it just the late reaction?

Is there a reason to focus on technique like weight transfer when YOU ARE NOT TAKING A STROKE more than 90% of the time. If you are just throwing the racket at the ball, there is no weight transfer. Work on getting it so, every time you hit the ball you take an actual stroke. When that is happening, then you can work on stroke technique.

For right now, you are not even at the point where you can work on strokes because you are not taking a stroke most of the time.

When the ball is right in your power ally and you try to take an actual stroke, the stroke is fine even if you miss. But most of the shots in your videos are not that. Most of the shots are you just putting your racket on the ball however you can and hoping it goes over and onto the table. There is no technique.

So the first thing would be, getting yourself ready so you can take an actual stroke rather than getting to the ball soooooooo late.

 

[Lazer]

In my opinion, the angle in the first video is okay for seeing what you are doing. The other two videos where the angle is directly from the side area a waste of time because half the time your racket is not even in the footage. But also, that is not a good angle even if people could see your arm and action when you are over the table.

The first video where you can see more, is acceptable. You might want one from almost straight on as well.

But, with just the first video, I can see enough to give you some feedback.

One issue is, regardless of how slow the ball coming at you is, you are responding to it very late. Often you don't seem to realize where the ball is going until after it has bounced on your side. Then you try to react but it is too late.

As a result of being so late in reacting to where the ball is going, you hit a high percentage of your "shots" completely flat and without a real stroke. You are just putting the racket on the ball and aiming it back to the other side.

When you do take a full stroke, the full stroke looks okay. But they are so few and far between that you do not have any rhythm or consistency with the full strokes. So, whether they land or not is completely arbitrary.

A factor that may contribute to you not seeing or knowing where the ball is going until WAY TOO LATE, is that there is way too much stuff going on in the background. People walking buy over and over and over again. People talking. If you wanted to train and improve, probably, going to a space that is dedicated to only playing table tennis (a club) would be more useful.

Also, the partner you are hitting with, is not really able to give you consistent balls or quality balls. It is worth understanding that what you are doing in these videos when you are not playing games is just hitting the ball. I would not consider that training. There is a place for just hitting the ball around. But to train, you need a training partner who can give you 50-100 balls in a row, in the same place if he wants to. Balls with a consistent amount of speed and spin.

What I would say is, keep hitting. Keep playing. Enjoy yourself as you do. As you do, you will improve. But, probably, if you want to really improve, you need to go to a club where there are club level players to train with. And you would probably benefit from a certain amount of coaching.

If you had a TT robot that could also help you improve at the level you are at. But robots are not ideal. And, for now, the robot would simply make it so you could hit a consistent ball to practice your strokes.

Instead of a robot, you could also practice by self hitting.

His first video is actually the last one.

Cheers
L-zr

 

[PenHoldSandro]

Firstly as I know you have already a coach, it's better to just stick to his/her teachings.

secondly, don't get discouraged but also don't try too hard at beginning, the basics mechanics and ball feeling are essentials, they should be mastered first.

Thirdly, this place seems very narrow, I think it might even hurt your form, if you have possibility, you can shift the table to side to get more space behind. Otherwise, try to work different drills, like short serve receive etc.

Probably, due to lack of space and not matured footwork, in all these your body position is wrong. So without proper positioning, swing, weight transfer etc is secondary matters.

View attachment 33189View attachment 33190View attachment 33192View attachment 33193

Really? How is the body position wrong? I can't see anything too wrong with me. Of course, prove me wrong. I want to learn!

This is for BH example, I'm not penhold player but as I know, you should be leaning forward, should have some space to swing properly.

View attachment 33191View attachment 33195

Yeah this is wrong though. No need for correcting me this is wrong.

similar approach also for over table FH drive, flick and pushes, you right feet should be in front, and also body weight should be closer to ball.

View attachment 33196

How do I put my body weight properly? That's what I am struggling in right now, and any tip will help a lot!

So again, don't be discouraged by my comments, but my recommendation would be patient and stick to fundamentals. (of course play for fun casually good but do the right thing as much as possible rather than fancy speedy shots, it could be hard to focus everything at once, so you may try to practice basics like FH-FH drive until you become decent on it)
As because you already has a coach, I think no need to share video tutorial or details.

No no, I'm getting encouraged by this!

Alright man, I'll stick with it (maybe lean a little more)

 

[PenHoldSandro]

His first video is actually the last one.

Yeah. Do you have tips for me?

 

[PenHoldSandro]

I have no idea what you mean. But it sounds like this is backwards. As soon as you see where the ball is going, you should be moving or adjusting to where the ball is going. Ideally, this should happen before the ball gets to the net, long before the ball goes over the net, ideally, as soon after the opponent hits the ball as possible.

Ok man, but it's an uphill battle, wish me luck!

Part of why is you are playing in a place where there are tons of distractions. This is why you should not be playing in a place with people walking past you, talking to you and distracting you. To play TT well you need to be able to put your entire focus on the ball and on what you are doing.

[edit: I want to amend the statement above: if you are just playing with family for fun, you can do it where ever you want and however you want. But if you are expecting to train and improve, it should be somewhere where the distractions are table tennis and the distractions are held to a minimum. For fun, sure, play anywhere. But that is not the same as training to improve.]

Yes, of course I'm just playing for fun in these clips, but also to get even just a little better at TT while I'm at it! I get training only once a week, so any extra time playing will help!

Is there a reason to focus on technique like weight transfer when YOU ARE NOT TAKING A STROKE more than 90% of the time. If you are just throwing the racket at the ball, there is no weight transfer. Work on getting it so, every time you hit the ball you take an actual stroke. When that is happening, then you can work on stroke technique.

For right now, you are not even at the point where you can work on strokes because you are not taking a stroke most of the time.

When the ball is right in your power ally and you try to take an actual stroke, the stroke is fine even if you miss. But most of the shots in your videos are not that. Most of the shots are you just putting your racket on the ball however you can and hoping it goes over and onto the table. There is no technique.

So the first thing would be, getting yourself ready so you can take an actual stroke rather than getting to the ball soooooooo late.

Now I see the problem... do you have ideas on how to fix it? Because I can do it, but I can't apply it. Do you know any way how? (ofc I have to fix my reaction time too)

 

[Lazer]

Yeah. Do you have tips for me?

The only thing I can say is that on FH I think you tend to hit ball too late. Partly because you stand so close to the table. The ball should be in front of your body when you hit it.

Another thing there is a special thread for posting videos “ video safe something something “. If you post there you will get advice only from approved people ( I’m not one of then ).

Cheers
L-zr

 

[PenHoldSandro]

The only thing I can say is that on FH I think you tend to hit ball too late. Partly because you stand so close to the table. The ball should be in front of your body when you hit it.

It's probably because of the lack of space (I broke my racket cuz of the space) How do I know if I hit it at the proper time?

Another thing there is a special thread for posting videos “ video safe something something “. If you post there you will get advice only from approved people ( I’m not one of then ).

oh ok, thanks! But I might still post videos here because of more people being able to help.

 

[PenHoldSandro]

Hi! Can any of you guys analyze the videos? I know there is not too much space where I'm playing so please focus on my gameplay itself.

Videos

 

[TackyForehand]

Zoom out.

 

[Gozo Aruna]

I see many many many incidence of ball picking and nothing much...

 

[PenHoldSandro]

I see many many many incidence of ball picking and nothing much...

Focus on the shots themselves Gozo..

 

[blahness]

Sorry it is too much of basement play. Also no room to swing or move. I like your enthusiasm but you might as well just use OX LP or frictionless anti pushblock technique to deal with all balls and then twiddle inverted to smash opportunity which is a valid and highly effective way to play - probably fastest way to improve imo.

The no1 item you need to learn is basic stance and posture. You are super upright - stick your butt up and go into a crouching forward lean position like a predator, and your feet should be wider than shoulder width at all times, and bend knees slightly. It gives you much better vision of the ball since your eye level is much lower. Do not compromise on this forward lean no matter what.

 

[PenHoldSandro]

Sorry it is too much of basement play. Also no room to swing or move. I like your enthusiasm but you might as well just use OX LP or frictionless anti pushblock technique to deal with all balls and then twiddle inverted to smash opportunity which is a valid and highly effective way to play - probably fastest way to improve imo.

I don't really like that type of play ngl
I also play Jpen, so it won't work

Note that I also play at the mall, with a coach. So no, it's probably the space. I can deal with spinny serves, it's just my form that is not good.

The no1 item you need to learn is basic stance and posture. You are super upright - stick your butt up and go into a crouching forward lean position like a predator, and your feet should be wider than shoulder width at all times, and bend knees slightly. It gives you much better vision of the ball since your eye level is much lower. Do not compromise on this forward lean no matter what.

Fair, I trained myself to stand upright cuz I used to slouch a lot. Not doing too good now ehe, I'm trying to lower myself. Do you have tips?

 

[UpSideDownCarl]

The only thing I can say is that on FH I think you tend to hit ball too late. Partly because you stand so close to the table. The ball should be in front of your body when you hit it.

It's probably because of the lack of space (I broke my racket cuz of the space) How do I know if I hit it at the proper time?

oh ok, thanks! But I might still post videos here because of more people being able to help.

The reason he hits everything late is because he isn't even acting like the ball is coming towards him until it bounces on his side.

 

[UpSideDownCarl]

Now I see the problem... do you have ideas on how to fix it? Because I can do it, but I can't apply it. Do you know any way how? (ofc I have to fix my reaction time too)

I believe I told you a bunch of things to work on. So, you are asking me to do something I already did multiple times.

Or did you forget already?

1) self hit.
2) if you could, robot.
3) if you could, multiball.
4) work on hitting the ball FH to FH 100 times without missing (counterhit); when you can do 100 times, start making the pace faster.
5) reset to a ready position after every time you hit the ball. get to the ready position and watch opponent before your shot lands on the opponent's side.

Should I keep listing. I already gave you these suggestions and more.

 

[Gozo Aruna]

Focus on the shots themselves Gozo..

I am trying my friend. But I see more picking up balls that actual shots. In the rare occasion that there are shots, they are more of no skill Reactive Passive Blocking ( RPB ) shots.

 

[blahness]

I don't really like that type of play ngl
I also play Jpen, so it won't work

Note that I also play at the mall, with a coach. So no, it's probably the space. I can deal with spinny serves, it's just my form that is not good.

Fair, I trained myself to stand upright cuz I used to slouch a lot. Not doing too good now ehe, I'm trying to lower myself. Do you have tips?

Regardless of the type of rubber you play, the basic stance is the same. Watch some WTT videos with the side angle and you can see them maintaining this forward lean, wide base at almost all times unless they are too pressured.

 

[PenHoldSandro]

I am trying my friend. But I see more picking up balls that actual shots. In the rare occasion that there are shots, they are more of no skill Reactive Passive Blocking ( RPB ) shots.

😭 🙏
That's why I need tips my good friend