Coach Li conducts multi-ball as he trains the student in proper forehand and backhand technique and the accompanying footwork. The first drill alternates forehand placement locations directing footwork within the forehand half of the table. The second drill placement is alternating forehand and backhand locations requiring more pronounced lateral footwork. And the third drill involves two balls to the backhand side and one to the forehand side, but where the student is to step around the second ball to the backhand side so as to strike two balls with the forehand and only one with the backhand. This drill is commonly called the Falkenberg drill after the Swedish club (Falkenbergs Bordtennisklubb). The Falkenberg drill extends the lateral footwork even further, requiring movement beyond the backhand corner.
With each drill, students need to anticipate where the ball will land, maneuver to the correct position, and then execute proper forehand or backhand technique. For the Falkenberg drill, the student also needs to execute a pivot turn (playing the forehand from a very wide backhand position) and then cover a great deal of ground to reach the next ball. The series of drills will not only provide training for both hand and foot technique, but also provides training for body energy, and heart health. To increase the student’s concentration level, ask the student to add a vocal yell at the moment of contact so as to increase the energy levels.