Miwa's footwork for receive

[kindof99]

Has anyone observed that Miwa Harimoto's footwork for receive is very unique? She stays close to the table, moves one small step away from the table when her opponent serves, and then usually move back for short receive. Maybe it is a personal habit, but it is quite different from almost everyone else. What is the benefit of this?

 

[jonol]

I think it's (partly) to keep her footwork active. If you take a small step back, it's easier to feel in rhythm if your feet are active and moving.

I take a small step in place and use it to 'bounce' if I need to move when receiving serves, and also when playing short serves or pushes myself. For me it's about the staying in the rhythm of being active and looking to attack the ball, rather than standing still and waiting.

Whether this has anything to do with why Miwa does what she does, I have no clue. Her serve receives are top tier though, arguably as dangerous on receive as serving.