Besana, Nazer G.

ARCH 2B

REFLECTION

Good footwork is essential in modern table tennis. It enables you to reach the ball quicker
and more easily, which in turn enables you to play a greater variety of strokes. Ultimately,
it is the feet that are in contact with the ground in your movements. No matter what
movement you do, it is always initiated off the ground. You may have heard that feet don’t
work independently from the body countless times but if that is true? Why do we hear
comments like “shifty feet” and “quick feet” especially during sports commentary? The
importance of footwork in sport is undeniable. Your feet absorb all shocks from ground
contact and initiate your movement by propelling the body in the desired direction at the
right time. The main objective of having good footwork for an athlete is to allow him to get
himself or the ball in the right place at the right time. Your feet aren’t the only two parts of
your body to carry out this complex task. Your hips play an important role in your footwork
as well. The hips are farther up the kinetic chain and facilitate foot movement drastically.
The right footwork drills can transfer the entire way that you play the sport, believe it or
not, which is why these exercises can truly change the way that you even feel about your
own game. They can help you position yourself so that you make less unforced errors.
They can help you cover more court so that you can reach shots that you otherwise
couldn’t. The right footwork drills can help you build the right muscle memory — that might
even give you the confidence to take your tennis game to a whole new level.