At the beginner stage. ball control may not be good enough to allow reasonable stroke play. this could be a particular problem with young children where hand/eye co-ordination may not be well developed Significant improvement in ball control, coupled with an understanding of touch, can be achieved off the table using the following exercises :
1. Bouncing the ball on the forehand side of the bat, attempting to achieve a uniform height.
2. As 1 but using the backhand side of the bat.
3. Bouncing the ball each side of the bat alternately.
4. Repeating exercises 1,2 and 3 but varying the height of the bounce.
5. Repeating all exercises but with added movement such as walking or light jogging.
Success and improvements with these exercises will be best achieved if the angle of the elbow is around 90 degrees and reasonable space is maintained between the elbow and the body. Basic ball skills and touch can be further developed through the use of fun games. See unit One.