Anticipation in Table Tennis
In computer games, radar early warning systems alert players to incoming missiles or enemy attacks, prompting them to take evasive, defensive, or aggressive action. Wouldn't it be great to have this kind of system in table tennis?
Some players seem to possess this innate radar-like ability; players like Waldner, Wang Li Chin, Kong, and Ma Lin come to mind. In simple terms, it's known as "anticipation."
For these players, it's almost instinctual, but for us mere mortals, it's a skill that can be learned and honed.
How does it work? While there are several factors influencing anticipation, I'll focus on one: ball tracking.
Coaches often emphasize to their students to "watch the ball." However, I propose a slight modification: "track the ball." Professional players meticulously follow the ball's trajectory from the moment it leaves their opponent's bat to the moment it's struck back, and so forth.
Why track instead of watch? Because tracking enables your mind's eye to automatically generate a directional vector of the ball's path from impact to landing, providing your brain with precise coordinates for your next move.
There are different levels of tracking reactions: beginner, amateur, and professional.
Beginner level: You react when the ball passes the net and bounces off the table.
Amateur level: You react a few feet past the net after your opponent strikes the ball.
Professional level: You react the moment your opponent strikes the ball, moving immediately to anticipate its bounce.
So, during practice, get accustomed to activating your "early warning systems," track the ball from your bat to your opponent's strike, and react promptly.
Once you integrate this skill into your game, you'll find yourself with more time to reach the ball and eventually defeat opponents you once deemed unbeatable!
Enjoy evolving into a faster player. Have fun on the court.
Until next time,
Play fair,
Javad