The Forehand Cross-Step
This is a great footwork technique for covering distance on the forehand side in table tennis, especially when you need to reach wide shots.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Start in a ready stance with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight on the balls of your feet.
- When your opponent’s shot is aimed wide to your forehand side, push off with your left foot (if you’re right-handed) to shift your weight to the right.
- As you move, cross your left foot in front of your right foot, stepping toward the ball to reach the wide shot.
- Keep your upper body facing forward. When you reach the ball, bring your racket back and rotate your hips slightly to prepare for the forehand stroke.
- As you swing, shift your weight back to your right foot to maintain balance. Follow through with the shot, then use a quick side-step or shuffle to return to your ready position.
It’s all about timing and balance, so try practicing it slowly at first to get the rhythm down. Do you want tips on practicing it, or are you comfortable with these basics?
Tips for Practicing the Forehand Cross-Step
When practicing the forehand cross-step, focus on building your rhythm, timing, and footwork accuracy. Here’s how you can start:
- Shadow Drills: Begin in your ready position and practice just the cross-step motion without the ball. Concentrate on making a smooth push off your left foot, crossing your left foot in front, and maintaining balance. Repeat this until the movement feels natural.
- Multi-Ball Drill: Try a multi-ball drill with a practice partner or coach. Have them send balls wide to your forehand side so you can work on the cross-step under real playing conditions. Focus on moving early, aiming to reach the ball at a comfortable distance in front of you.
- Quick Recovery: Practice returning to your ready position immediately after each cross-step shot. This recovery is essential so you’re ready for the next ball.
- Increasing Speed: As you improve, gradually add speed to increase the drill’s intensity. Aim to make each cross-step quicker and more instinctive.
Consistency and repetition are key here—especially in making the footwork automatic.