Table tennis is the fastest rebound sport in the world. With top speeds of over 100 km/h at a distance of just 2.74 meters, you often have less than a tenth of a second to react.
Do you sometimes feel rushed at the plate? Do you feel like you're always one step too late?
On our three tables in the Sportcenter Wittenau we often observe this. The good news is that you don't necessarily have to physically get faster. It's often enough, smarter to play.
Here are 3 expert tips to help you improve your reaction time immediately:
1. ALWAYS expect the ball to come back
A common mistake - even among advanced amateur players - is „admiring“ your own shot. You hit a fantastic smash or a nasty topspin and inwardly think: „He'll never get it!“ You stand still and watch. But when your opponent returns the ball, you're not ready.
The tip: Get used to it, each ball. Even if you have hit the best shot of your life, immediately get back into the ready position. If your opponent scores the point, it should be because his shot was good - not because you were still celebrating your own shot.
2. watch the opponent, not just the ball
If you wait until the ball has left your opponent's racket, it is often already too late. The secret of the pros is Anticipation.
Try to „read“ your opponent before he hits the ball:
- Where is he looking?
- What is his posture like?
- What is the angle of his racket?
If the opponent swings wide, a fast, long ball is likely to follow. If the movement is short and the wrist is loose, a short stop ball could follow. By reading these signs, you can move in the right direction, before the ball was hit at all.
3. the correct basic position (ready position)
You cannot react quickly if you are as stiff as a board. A good basic stance is like a taut spring.
How to stand correctly at the plate:
- Bend your knees: Bend your knees deeply. This lowers your center of gravity and makes you more stable.
- Weight on the balls of the feet: Do not stand on your heels! Shift your weight forward onto the balls of your feet. This allows you to push off explosively in any direction.
- Keep the racket neutral: Hold the racket in front of the body, ready for forehand and Backhand.
Good to know: Our floors in the Sportcenter Wittenau offer excellent grip that supports precisely these dynamic movements.
Conclusion: practice makes perfect
Reaction speed is not magic, but a matter of habit. Try to consciously concentrate on these three points during your next match with us. You will notice how you suddenly have „more time“, even though the game is just as fast as before.
Fancy a quick match? Grab a partner and book your table. If you don't have your own racket, we will be happy to lend you professional equipment at our counter.
Book your table tennis table online now
See also:
- How to choose the perfect table tennis bat
- The perfect shoes for table tennis
- The official table tennis rules
- Ping pong vs. table tennis - what's the difference?
- How table tennis balls are made: A look behind the scenes
- How does point scoring work in table tennis?
- Learning table tennis: The most important basics for your start
- Table tennis doubles: the official rules explained simply