When doing drills with a training partner, choose drills that are game-like as well as drills that push your limits. If you are doing a basic backhand to backhand rally for one hour per day and averaging 50-100 balls each rally, then you probably aren’t pushing the limits.

I recommend that you do random drills where your training partner will block with his backhand, and you will loop using your backhand and forehand. The blocker is allowed to place the ball anywhere on the table. Try to average at least 5-10 balls each rally. Watch the blocker’s racket carefully so that you can project where the ball will be placed. If you are in good position, then take a full swing with good spin and moderate speed. If you are surprised by an unusual block, then shorten your backswing while maintaining spin and consistency.

If you are averaging more than 10 balls, then ask the blocker to change speeds and be more deceptive with the placement. A drill that is too easy isn’t very game-like. You need to challenge yourself with tough drills.

If you are averaging less than 5 balls each rally, then ask the blocker to go slower and not so wide. A drill that is too difficult will likely break down your technique and possibly hinder your timing as well. The key to an effective practice is to be in communication with your training partner so that both of you can get the most out of each practice.

In this video, you will see me demonstrating the random drill. I’m looping to Tim Wang’s backhand (US Olympian), while he blocks with placement and speed variation.