Where Your Eye's Should Be?

Anthony,

I think it depends on the particular match.  If you're playing singles, then you should definitely follow the ball.  If you're playing mixed doubles....   

LOL. Wow guys. I know this is kind of off topic but I haven't seen one pretty "thing" in mixed doubles tournaments. 

I look at where I'm NOT going to hit the ball right after looking into the eyes of the dude down the other end of the table. As for pretty things, I've seen a tall perfect girl warm up for a match by bending over backwards and putting her palms on the floor, yoga style then bend back up. She could actually play too, however I couldn't after seeing that :p it ruined me for days

Don't exclusively follow the ball. While you are receiving, follow the ball in order to time its contact. Once you're in position to hit the ball - look at exact spot where you are aiming the ball go to.

AnthonyTT wrote: During a match, practice, or even robot training, where you should your eyes be at all time? I noticed that I look straight ahead and don't even look at my strokes and I fan a lot. I noticed looking at the ball as long as I can before I perform a stroke really made me more consistent. Where do you guys look when your doing any form of practice or match? Straight ahead? Always on the ball? Only at the ball half the time? ;) Thanks !

hi anthony
The answer to this is not straight forward.
First
you must develop the ability to watch the ball onto the bat so that you eliminate air shots etc.
However, as you improve yr level you need to increase your awareness of yr opponent and where his balance is. this involves training yr peripheral vision (interpreting what you see in the corner of yr eye) and also being able to switch yr focus of yr normal vision between opponent and ball.
I was taught to focus on the ball when it bounces on my side until I have hit it (While trying to maintain awareness of opponent), Then once my shot is going toward my opponent focus on him, and try to interpret his shot and where he recovers to, and so on.
From my experience of coaching, and being coached peoples natural peripheral awareness varies widely, but can be improved over time.
Also if you are bad at watching the ball onto your bat, you will be too stressed to have much useful attention for your opponent
I suggest FIRST perfect watching the ball in your drills to begin with, THEN look at the peripheral awareness thing as more of a long term project
hope this helps

Edited by pingpongpaddy - 03/26/2011 at 9:31am