Site Products
Larry Hodges, table tennis coach

Tactical Observations for the Subconscious

(by Larry Hodges)

If you make a habit of closely watching opponents to pick up on little cues that let you know where their next shot will go, your subconscious will get the message and start reacting to it. The subconscious learns by repetition – but only if you actually observe the opponent so that your conscious and subconscious minds can pick up on them.

An example of this would be trying to judge the direction an opponent hits his forehand. You could just wait and see what direction his racket is going at or just after contact. That’s what beginners have to do – there’s a reason they react so slowly to shots. But more advanced players subconsciously react to the shot well before contact. At the intermediate level, they likely react soon after the opponent starts his forward swing, as at that point you can usually judge where the ball is going to go, basically by seeing the line between the racket and ball and extending it to your side. This works . . . at the intermediate level.

At higher levels, players adjust even sooner to the opponent’s shot. They may react right as that forward swing starts, or even before that. You can usually tell where an opponent’s forehand is going from his shoulder rotation, and from that, see where they are going even before they start their forward swing. That’s why top players sometimes seem to have supernatural reflexes – but it’s not quick reflexes, it’s early recognition of the direction of the shot.

So, start watching opponents for little clues like that – everyone has them, but they are often different. When you see them, you won’t be able to consciously react to them, but the subconscious will – and soon you’ll be reacting like a pro.

One cautionary note – at higher levels, players often disguise or change their direction as they forward swing – such as an inside-out forehand – and so you have to adjust to each player based on this, sometimes waiting until nearly at contact before you know for sure where they are going. As a match goes on, you should react more and more quickly to the opponent’s shots as your subconscious picks up on when they can react against each opponent and each of their shots. Once you do this, you’ll become like a backboard, reacting to anything the opponent does.

And all you have to do is observe the opponent while the subconscious does the work, and you get the credit!

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.

Latest News

What is the ‘WAIT” function for?

April 30, 2025
1x Backhand Topspin from Backhand (close to normal body distance to the table – robot plays regular spin… Read More

Butterfly Training Tips with Rachid El Bou Bou – Backhand Loop & Forehand Pivot

April 30, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Rachid El Bou Bou is executing the Backhand Loop, followed… Read More

Zhu Yuling Signs Contract With Butterfly

April 29, 2025
(by Butterfly Global) Butterfly has signed an advisory contract with Zhu Yuling (Macau, China). Having excelled since her… Read More

Butterfly Training Tips with Lingshuai Meng – Backhand Punch Block

April 29, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Lingshaui Meng is executing the Backhand Punch Block https://youtu.be/WlXmg5wurQs Stay “In… Read More

Pair of Golds for Van Emburgh at ITTF World Challenger São Paulo

April 29, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) American Para Table Tennis star Jenson Van Emburgh delivered a sensational performance at the ITTF… Read More

Number One In the World! From Puerto Rico, The Best Mixed Doubles Team In U-13 Table Tennis

April 28, 2025
(by: Edgardo Vázquez /Puerto Rico National Coach ) Among the rising stars are Brianna Rodríguez and Owen Shemesh,… Read More

Backhand Receive Against a Short Serve to the Forehand

April 28, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) In my day, there were players who received short serves much better with their backhand… Read More

Should I “SNAP” My Forearm?

April 28, 2025
1 Forehand topspin from Forehand (close to normal body distance to the table – robot plays regular spin… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.