The Perfect Shot

Coming back again, since a long time of reflection, on a topic going around my mind for a while: what makes a high quality shot? To answer this question I wish to follow the rule of 3, the 3 points that make possible a high quality shot. After some analysis and my basic knowledge of the game, this is my best try:

1. Generate the Optimal Momentum: Many people use to say that what makes the main difference between a regular player and a professional player is that professional players hit the ball with a better momentum consistently. But what do we understand by momentum? Momentum refers to the optimal moment to strike the ball and transfer the maximum power generated by the player as a result of the body weight transfer’s balance. And this means to strike the ball in the optimal moment of inertia. It is relatively easy to understand but requires a lot of time for a player to improve its momentum. A great proportion of the player’s training is focused on steadily improve this momentum.
2. Striking the Ball Ahead your Body: If momentum needs to be constantly refined, in addition, the player has to position him/herself to generate this momentum forward so that the ball is striken ahead the body. It sounds easy but again it is not. This aspect is probably one the most important to facilitate the consistency in the strokes and it is essential in any racket’s sport (table tennis, tennis …). Many players show different techniques to prepare the stroke behind the body (all of them probably valid) and, regardless of those ones, what matters is how the shot ends, when the racket strikes the ball has always to be in front of the body (and at the optimal moment of inertia 😉).
3. Striking the Ball the Right Way: The 2 points above apply, IMHO, to any sport’s racket. However this last one is very specific to the table tennis. In table tennis, due to the high adherence of the rubbers, we essentially brush the ball in the topspin strokes. Nevertheless, we have to do it very differently depending on the type of ball we receive. When the ball is properly sliced, the only way to counteract it is by brushing the ball from behind it. While when the ball comes lifted or blocked, we have the possibility to counter attack the ball by brushing more on the upper ball. In this last case, we will generate less spin on the ball but certainly more speed.

In summary, the perfect shot is made when the 3 elements mentioned above are perfectly aligned. As perfection is never achieved, the more we manage to train the closer we will be to this ideal shot. Right tactics, trained reflexes and good shifting around the court will increase the likelihood to align these parameters and put pressure on our opponent with powerful, well placed and rapid third ball attacks.

That is all for the moment, hope you have enjoyed the entry. My intention, as always, is to share with you some thoughts and things I pay attention to develop my understanding of the game. But, please, as always say, feel free to comment. I am sure your comments will trigger other thoughts and give the opportunities to further develop all of us as players and coaches.