The basic steps are: (a) the single step, (b) the side step, and (c) the crossstep.

1. Single step. It is used to reach balls near the net (b, c), to chop from the backhand or the forehand side (a, d) as well as for other strokes (forehand topspin). Only one foot moves while the other stays on the ground to keep the balance, acting like ananchor. The body weight follows the moving foot adding power during the execution of the stroke.

2. Side step. Most of the players use this type of step when they are moving sideways. The left foot quickly moves a half step towards the right foot, which moves out once the left one has touched the ground. In order to keep the balance the body weight is on the "grounding" foot at all times during the movement.

3. Cross step. This is a wide range step, which helps the player cover more space and catch a wide ball. Defensive players use this kind of step to move forward or backward and occasionally when they chop from both sides.

There is also another type of step, which is a combination of the above steps and shows how good a player's footwork is because it requires correct response and judgment. However it can only be achieved through many years of training. High-level players use this step, to adjust ready stance, to take position for the next stroke, and prepare themselves for bigger range moves. Footwork is something difficult to learn. It needs a lot of practice to master the steps. However, do not forget that footwork is just as important as are the stroke techniques**. There are players who would have achieved much more if they had paid more attention to footwork practice in the first stages of their career.

*For right-handed players.

**About 50% of the training session is consisted of footwork drills.

Source: Table Tennis: From A to Z e-book

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