im sorry i didnt explain it well...i meant offensive placements...because i think once i get the hang of offensive placements it would most likely be easier to just "block" them with placement correct? or is it so different that i need to practice both individually?
Thanks Again
Hi buddy,
Personally, I think feel that offensive placements are a little easier than blocking placements.
Why? Because you'll be exerting your own spin to the ball rather than having to control and ride on the opponents spin when you're blocking.
When I 1st started TT, the drill that I think is the most effective is serving an under spin serve to a friend and have him returning the ball back to you (to the body, middle & far end).
Loop the ball to the left on the 3rd ball from those 3 positions (use your BH if the ball goes to your body, it's easier than stepping around for your FH). Then repeat the drill, looping to the body and to the right of the table. For each time just ignore the balls if they come back to you after each loop. Why? You wouldn't want to lose your focus on what you're trying to achieve, which is placements. Don't tire yourself out trying to return the balls coming back to you. Do that a few reps.
Then start looping to the body, with the 2nd ball pushed to body, middle & far end. Do that a few reps. Repeat the drills and loop to the right. Once you get the hang of it, you may mix it up. I still do the drills till this day sometimes.
TIPS : Don't try to finish the ball on the 3rd ball, get your placements 1st until you can do it on reflex. Once you get it, put more pace on the 3rd ball to finish the rally. Then you may step around for your FH on the 2nd ball that goes to your body (rather than using your BH) - why I don't advice stepping around for your FH in the earlier stage when you're merely looping?
Because you'll be opening the entire table especially your FH side.
Also get a decent partner so you may get consistent long 3rd balls.
Happy training buddy