|
|
how to beat players who are good at blocking? |
Post Reply | Page <1234> |
Author | |||
Infinite.Potential
Member Joined: 04/11/2011 Status: Offline Points: 32 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
You said: In TT, we tend to call the 'court' the playing area, and the 'court' that you are referring to as 'the table', unless you have logged on to the wrong forum and are talking about tennis. I get your idea, however TT is a game of small margins, and looping deep carries the obvious liability of inconsistency. I think you are a tennis player.
I'm not a tennis player, I've been playing table tennis since 1972 and ran and coached at the largest table tennis club in the country in the late 70's. Sorry if the word "court" confused you. I think it is a common usage in table tennis circles. Gregg Letts, the table tennis guide at about.com uses the term often in his writings. But if you prefer, playing area is OK with me. Advance players practice hitting the ball short, medium and long into their opponents "playing area" all the time. I certainly did not invent the idea in that it is not a new concept. I have consistently practiced and coached changing the depth of shots for many years. Some of the best coaches in the country will agree with the philosophy that hitting the ball deep is tactically important when playing against a blocker. Here are the first three bullet points from Samson Dubinov's article on "Game Strategies" and how to play blockers:
A National coach named Larry Hodges published a book titled "Table Tennis: Steps to Success" and in the book there is a section titled "Playing Styles and Rallying Tactics. Within this section Larry details how to play a blocker that includes the following bulleted items:
While not the only tactic , I say with confidence that hitting the ball deep into the opponents "playing area" is a known practical tactic that helps you gain an advantage when playing against a blocker. But want to iterate that it isn't the only important tactic when playing a blocker. |
|||
Sponsored Links | |||
APW46
Assistant Moderator Joined: 02/02/2009 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 3331 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Serve deep (half long) and push deep, I agree, I also agree that looping deep is desirable, but not essential, keeping out of the 'power zones' is important in the short game and is easily facilitated at that tempo, but in quick topspin driving I disagree that pipoint accuracy of depth is possible without risk, by anyone.
I'm not sure how old Larry's book is, but I'm sure its pre 40mm ball, in which case some things have changed, particularly the ability to a certain extent, to force the pace when blocking, and looping earlier with a closed bat face.
I too started playing in the 1970's as an out and out looper, I still play and coach at advanced level, and boy things have changed, to such an extent, that there are virtually no blockers as a style of play at the top end of the game left, which means the OP by nature is doubtful to be an advanced player, and that is where I err on caution to advice such as 'hit deep' to a player who is likely inconsistent hitting anywhere, let alone deep.
What is 'correct' is not always appropriate, and as a coach who specialises in helping players who have passed their initial formative years, would like to improve some, but have limited time recources, I like to try to tailor my advice to suit.
I accept national differences in the use of the word 'court' and I think your term is more correct than mine.
|
|||
The Older I get, The better I was.
|
|||
Infinite.Potential
Member Joined: 04/11/2011 Status: Offline Points: 32 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
I'll ask Larry about the relevance of his book specific to this topic and the 40mm ball. I can't guarantee that he wil give me an answer but now I'm curious. It has been my experience that the 40mm ball slows the game down and provides me more ability to pinpoint my shots (its easier to hit a deep shot in a rally) rather than making it more difficult.
I don't think a blocker has a power zone, though I would agree that there are good and bad places to place the ball when playing a blocker. When I think of placement I don't always limit it to a single shot, rather I think of placement as a series or sequence of shots. Perhaps I do not understanding your "power zone" terminology. I spent a lot of time moving around my backhand corner and looping / smashing my forehand in the 70's. Since taking the game up again several years ago I've learned all about the importance of the back hand and because I've slowed down a bit I've had to think more about (and I've spent considerable time researching) modern strategies and techniques. Besides my personal initiative to research the game I've also been coached on modern techniques, tactics and strategies over the last year by one of the best coaches in the country so I feel somewhat confident (not totally confident) that my knowledge of game strategies and tactics is reasonably complete, at least at the club level, and that I have a solid understanding of the modern game. I'll let you know if I hear anything from Larry.
|
|||
addoydude
Silver Member Joined: 01/29/2008 Status: Offline Points: 848 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
one word: corkscrew spin
|
|||
Yasaka Ma Lin Carbon
H3 NEO / 388-D1 |
|||
Infinite.Potential
Member Joined: 04/11/2011 Status: Offline Points: 32 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Not to state the obvious but "corkscrew spin" is two words, not one word, but more importantly I don't understand how corkscrew spin can be used tactically against a blocker. Assuming you were not just being facetious can you explain?
|
|||
stoic
Super Member Joined: 02/10/2009 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 141 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Variety is key to beating a blocker, especially with service - mix up the spin and placement to set you up for forehand drives. Often blockers are weaker in the middle, so aim your first attack at their stomach. |
|||
http://www.static-sounds.com
Check out our tunes! |
|||
ninglei23
Super Member Joined: 02/14/2011 Location: Philippines Status: Offline Points: 474 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
stoic in my case they like it when I aim my shot on thier stomach because they know my shot is only there or in the edge.I am really not good in playing with blockers
|
|||
Yinhe V-14
FH:Xiom Vega Pro BH:Donic Baracuda |
|||
BH-Man
Premier Member Joined: 02/05/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 5042 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Danie, I said it was not a good idea to powerloop (with a steparound FH) from the BH corner with a FH, unless you were pretty sure to finish the point right there. Otherwise, it is too easy to fast block it away from you for an easy winner. I don't care how young my opponent is. If they step around and try to blast a FH by me AND I can block fast block it back to the FH, the point is over, no matter how young they are or even if they know exactly what I am about to do. If they put too much "Hot Sauce" on that ball and I fast block it away, point is simply over. That happens to me on attack when I get too greedy and hit it where they are expecting it. The ones who do a safer block... yes, those balls have the chance for the attacker to get to and still attack strong, either with power or spin.
I see your point about the difference in the abilities of a 40+ dude and a teens/young 20's player to recover and get to a ball on the wide FH. Still, hitting a powershot like that out of position a foot or more from the side of the table invites a quick end to the point if the blocker can see it and be there. Then again, a lot of good offensive players are really good at disguising where they will hit until it is too late. A lot of Koreans here are very good at that.
On receive, I essentially have become a blocker, until I can see a chance to take over control of the point. (Like a long serve in my power zones or loose ball) I push deliberately to the BH corner and FH corner, wanting the opponent to move and attack, so I can block it away from them and get them on my Yo-Yo (moving them back and forth almost at will), until they miss or give me a chance to go ballistic on them. This works if I can tell where they are about to attack. This doesn't work if my push is low quality and the attacker is too smooth in his arm/wrist control at impact. (and has good power/high landing%) Those jokers (Usually high level J-Penners) are a bad day for me and force me to try giving them a half-long push to attack more with spin than power, which I soft block to keep them attacking to miss, or fast block it to an uncomfortable spot.
Another tactic, which would likely be advocated with someone with an excellent BH, like William TTEdge, is to use the BH to open if the ball in coming to your BH. You can still get heavy spin and if the block is not almost perfect, you set yourself up to blast away with speed/spin, or pure speed as suggested before. The BH can be quite sudden and a point ending shot as you can make it difficult to forsee the racket angle at impact, because a small change in timing totally alters the angle of the shot and the stroke is so fast that sometimes it can just be too late. However, it can be hard to make a good judgement on which balls to attack with BH and which ones not to do so.
A good reason why looping to half deep (halfway between net and endline depth), then looping near endline, is that it is very difficult for the blocker to establish/maintain rythm. In RSM's training video, it shows one of his tactics of blocking 2-3 times to one corner, then suddenly fast blocking down the line. That can work if you can control the point (realy more of the attacker's options, instead really controlling the point, maybe even inviting opponent to attack to a certain zone) with your blocking and knowledge/anticipation of your opponent's attack. It is surprisingly difficult to block a medium-fast ball deep on endline, then move in and block a slow, super spinny ball that lands just over the net. The blocker has to move right up to the ball. Blocking it later is possible, but most be done more softly, plus that gives attacker more time and an easier ball to keep attacking.
Maybe also try out the reverse of the blocker's tactic. Loop a few medium loops to one side, then hit with power and low spin to the other side. That assumes blocker blocks that ball the same or you can pretty much know where it is going.
|
|||
Korea Foreign Table Tennis Club
Search for us on Facebook: koreaforeignttc |
|||
APW46
Assistant Moderator Joined: 02/02/2009 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 3331 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
|
|||
The Older I get, The better I was.
|
|||
Infinite.Potential
Member Joined: 04/11/2011 Status: Offline Points: 32 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Thanks for the definition on "Power Zone". I haven't heard that term used in this way but it helps clarify your response.
Larry was kind enough to respond to my request for information. He stated categorically that keeping the ball deep was important and provides some additional reasoning as,
"If you put the ball short against a blocker, he jab-blocks it down your throat and/or gets extreme angles and/or rushes you. Keep the ball deep, and all of this becomes far more difficult.".
Larry also mentioned that he wrote "Table Tennis: Steps to Success" in 1993 and updated the book in 2007. Larry felt that the information in his book was still highly relevant and further stated that,
"Other than using slightly thicker sponge, the game didn't change dramatically when it went from 38mm to 40mm balls. It's tougher to use extreme spins, and slightly easier to keep the ball in play, but it's all a matter of degree. The strokes haven't changed because of the 40mm ball. You just use them slightly different, i.e. slightly longer rallies, so you have to work a bit more for the point."
Larry hosts a great website called TableTennisCoaching.com that brings together a wonderful variety of coaching articles, videos and tips that I have found invaluable both as a player and as a coach.
|
|||
Infinite.Potential
Member Joined: 04/11/2011 Status: Offline Points: 32 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
It's possible that you are mixing up different definitions / concepts:
There is an important distinction between hitting the ball to an "opponents elbow" / "opponents middle" / "opponents pocket" vs. hitting the ball to the middle of the table. Hitting into an "opponents elbow" means hitting the ball into the area that forces your opponent to make a decision to hit either a forehand or backhand and forces them to move their feet to hit an offensive shot or offensive block.
Hitting the ball to the middle of the table can be taken literally and can be easily described and understood.
Hitting the ball into an "opponents elbow" is not as literal, it simply implies that you hit a ball into your opponents transitiional area between forehand and backhand. What is most important to understand is that this transition point is not static because as your opponent moves around his transition point moves with him!
Two examples of hitting to your opponents elbow:
If you want to hit to an opponents elbow you need to know where your opponent is relative to the table. |
|||
ejmaster
Platinum Member Joined: 08/09/2009 Location: madrid Status: Offline Points: 2609 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
a blocker is a mirror of your strokes.
to change placement when looping to where one does not usually loop is unrealistic. That takes time to train. what it is the way is to focus in steadiness and empower your loop or hitting. to concentrate. your stroke and your moving, your footwork. keep on doing being more focused. have to be confident in your game. get the feeling. if it does not work probably other ways will not work in a match either.
Edited by ejmaster - 05/05/2011 at 8:44pm |
|||
EJ Club.
MM T05(fh)/Srvfx(bh); InfVps,LSW,Viscaria,RwV,TBAlc,PG7,yextsc,yeo. EJmaster wood. |
|||
BH-Man
Premier Member Joined: 02/05/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 5042 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Larry's book was/is a very excellent start for anyone getting into TT. TT forums up that one by direct and indirect interaction and networking.
|
|||
Korea Foreign Table Tennis Club
Search for us on Facebook: koreaforeignttc |
|||
blahness
Premier Member Joined: 10/18/2009 Location: Melbourne Status: Offline Points: 5443 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
If you ever get outblocked, it means that your placement is not good enough. For the FH, do train the normal sidespin and fade loops, because if you're using sidespin, you can increase the difficulty of the blocker getting to the shot effectively. Make it your goal to have your attacking shots exit the table from the side with sidespin! (Waldner and Ma Lin's the real expert at this). And when you're at it, disguise the shot direction as much as you can and observe your opponent's movement before you make the shot.
Most likely, though is that you're jammed by the blocker with their serves/service receive. I tend to get jammed by balls to the elbow, forcing me to have less options for placement and spin than usual. The only solution for this is to train better footwork and body balance. |
|||
-------
Viscaria FH: Hurricane 8-80 BH: D05 Back to normal shape bats :( |
|||
Infinite.Potential
Member Joined: 04/11/2011 Status: Offline Points: 32 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Despite immersing myself into all things table tennis and despite my focus on tactics against different types of players I was defeated once again this evening by a blocker (sigh). This blocker plays around 2000-2100 (he's coming off knee surgery so its pretty variable right now) and we have gone five games the last 3-4 matches but I had pinched nerve in my neck tonight and I think it didn't help me out much as I easily won the first game then lost the next three.
This was a case were the blocker just wore me out. He was very quick and I could not power a ball threw him so I had to move him around and look for an opportunity to put the ball away. That meant the points were longer than normal (when not playing a blocker) and I just didn't have the stamina to keep up the offensive pressure.
So while keeping your shots deep I highly recommend being in shape if you want to defeat a blocker that is around your level of play! |
|||
tpgh2k
Platinum Member Joined: 09/14/2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2103 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
i've been there IP. i had to play bob bowlander who is a LP block much like pushblocker here but not as good as him. that was a true cat and mouse game. i had to safe loop, push, safe loop, push, etc....and wait for a good ball to just blast away.
it was a truly tiring match for sure. you must be very good IP if you can go at least 4 games with a 2000 lvl blocker. i should get some pointers from you then =). i'd like to hear more about some strategies you were using. |
|||
www.youtube.com/gsutabletennis
Timo Boll Spirit FL H3 Blue Sponge Black FH Tenergy 64 Red BH |
|||
APW46
Assistant Moderator Joined: 02/02/2009 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 3331 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
'playing to the elbow' as you put it is termed the 'crossover point' in coaching circles around the UK
Larry has answered economically, so would I if it were my book! my point being that the games tempo has increased with the 40mm ball due to more than one factor (higher bounce, less spin) and whilst the pertinence of pre-40mm ball advice is still valid for the short game, there is considerably less time once the rally has extended to make judgements on depth because blocking is less passive.
I have long been a critic of coaching methods and certainly many TT books, which I feel offer little in variation from 'manual' coaching, and always, always coach from the top, meaning the advice given is often totally irrellevant to many players, because they can't put in the 20+ hours a week needed to implement the advice given.
I have run a successful coaching school for some time now, which specialises in helping players with limitations, IMO trying to give advice, either directly or from a book, to a 40 yr old experienced player, or a 17 yr old novice, has to be tailored to suit to achieve a worthy outcome for each individual, something I'm sure Larry would agree upon.
|
|||
The Older I get, The better I was.
|
|||
Infinite.Potential
Member Joined: 04/11/2011 Status: Offline Points: 32 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
The blocker I was playing against used a slow paddle but had inverted rubber on both sides. Playing against a blocker with inverted and playing against LP is very different and I don't think the strategy I used this evening would fair well against your LP blocker.
My basic strategy tonight was to try and open with a controlled offensive or strong offensive shot first. I tried to keep the ball deep in his court on most shots, I tried to move the blocker around and when I saw him reach for a ball I knew that it would cause a weak block return and I would then try and hit a winning offensive shot off that weak block. I can counter drive (though I'm a looper at heart) so I made an effort to stay up to the table during our rally(s) to minimize the impact of a sharply angled ball that are most blockers forte. For me, a big part of playing a blocker is knowing and accepting that the blocker is going to return some of my biggest and best shots, not all of them, but some of them. That acceptance lets me keep my head in the game and not fret or worse be embarrassed by having someone return my awesome forehand kill loop! As a player I'm all about service and service return. I have better than average serves and they were beneficial during the match but after the match I realized that I needed to mix up my long and short serves better to try and keep the blocker moving in and out. Serving short and hitting a loop deep into one corner or the other is one way of forcing a blocker out of their comfort zone and I didn't do that often enough in our match. I don't know if you had a chance to view the PushBlocker Tutorial video but if you want to see an excellent strategy well implemented against a LP player you should take a look at it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZvZvUchfwU I am fortunate to be able to practice regularly with Cory Eider who is playing PushBlocker in the video. Cory is approaching 2400 level of play and this video is not indicative of his overall skill level but it does illustrate his absolute dedication to winning (he doesn't ever care about form, he only cares about winning). There is a very funny sequence around 2:21 of the video that you should enjoy. I will say that I was greatly impressed with PushBlockers overall sportsmanship during this match. You will notice in the match that Cory is not using a safe loop, push, safe loop, push strategy. What he is doing is, at least what I see he is doing, is taking as much spin out of the rally as he can while continuing to put some offensive pressure on PushBlocker. Because PushBlocker cannot attack (at all), Cory was content to push as necessary. If a LP player can attack then the strategy used against PushBlocker would have to be adjusted to avoid leaving too many opportunities for the blocker to attack the ball. The reason I say small adjustment is that in most cases a blockers attack is like an looper's chop; they are very low quality shots and they are not particularly good at making the shot.
|
|||
Imago
Premier Member Joined: 07/19/2009 Location: Sofia Status: Offline Points: 5897 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Cory has brains.
|
|||
Infinite.Potential
Member Joined: 04/11/2011 Status: Offline Points: 32 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
You said "Thanks for your answer, if rather patronisingly put, I don't confuse definitions and concepts in TT believe me. I think that you are confusing what I have stated, I do agree that playing deep is a valid tactic, I only question giving advice to 'hit deep' which to an intermediate player invites him to play above what he is capable of."
My apologies as I do not know how to quote someone the way you did. If it seemed patronizing it was because I wasn't responding to your comments, I was responding to a comment from the original poster (I think it was the original poster anyway) who was complaining that hitting to the middle as recommended wasn't working. I don't think the note was condescending in any way when viewed as something written in response to his post. I'm very sorry if I offended you. I truly meant no offense. I like books because they help provide common grammar that allow more economical communication between players and coaches but I also believe that group and individual coaching is head and shoulders above just reading books (I take private lessons on a regular basis and always have). I find it interesting that your take is that the game is faster today with the 40mm ball. I think that is the opposite of one of the intended effects and it may be true at the higher levels of play, but I can't comment on that. My perception is the 40mm ball has slowed the game and in fact is considerably slower than with the 38mm ball, but again, that's based on the level of my play and it may not be indicative of what occurs at other levels. Your comments on getting advice from a book that may not apply to the individual makes me think of a time many years ago when as a 1700 teenager I had a world class player coaching me in my matches during a tournament (I had seen him defeat the world champion just 3 months prior and I thought he was a God). I'm positive that what he told me was absolute gold but there was no way possible for me to do what he asked. My skill level simply didn't allow for it and his experience playing at a 1700 level was long gone by that point. I barely won a match during that tournament but learned a very important lesson that day!
|
|||
APW46
Assistant Moderator Joined: 02/02/2009 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 3331 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
I agree that the intention of the 40mm rule was to slow the game down, however, its not just my opinion that it has had the reverse effect because it is simply easier to attack consistently, and easier to counter attack in a pro-active way rather than re-active. I do agree that the 40mm ball slows quicker through the air, but this is subjective at close to the table play, where the tempo has increased due to the lesser need to respect spin.
To use the 'quote' option, click on the quote button between 'post options' and 'reply' at the top right corner of the post. A box will appear with the posted contents enlcosed within [quote] brakets, just either leave or delete what you wish within the brakets, then write your response outside the brakets.
|
|||
The Older I get, The better I was.
|
|||
APW46
Assistant Moderator Joined: 02/02/2009 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 3331 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
|
|||
The Older I get, The better I was.
|
|||
Infinite.Potential
Member Joined: 04/11/2011 Status: Offline Points: 32 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
Got it, thank you very much.
|
|||
APW46
Assistant Moderator Joined: 02/02/2009 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 3331 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
|
|||
The Older I get, The better I was.
|
|||
Infinite.Potential
Member Joined: 04/11/2011 Status: Offline Points: 32 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
To try and reiterate for my understanding, you are saying that you (and others) believe that the decrease in spin forced when using a 40mm ball has improved a player's ability (made it easier) to attack and pro-actively counter attack (assuming counter loop and/or offensive block), and it is this enhanced ability that has made the game generally faster? It's my assertion that less spin requires hitting with less speed when looping or counter looping or the ball will go off the end of table (not as much downward movement due to less RPM's on the ball). It's just an assertion though, I haven't done any wind tunnel experiments to know for certain. I'm a bit confused because in my experience the game feels slower but perhaps I'm just slower (I know I'm definitely older)? What I have noticed is that the game is more physically demanding with longer rally(s) than in the past (which I thought indicated a slow down in the game) and I thought that was due to the overall decrease in the speed of the ball and the decrease in average and maximum spin. Interesting to hear a differing opinion. I'll watch for other opinions on this although it probably doesn't really matter since the game isn't going back to the 38mm ball anytime soon. |
|||
APW46
Assistant Moderator Joined: 02/02/2009 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 3331 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
|
|||
The Older I get, The better I was.
|
|||
stoic
Super Member Joined: 02/10/2009 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 141 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
ninglei23 a shot aimed at the middle reduces the angle a blocker can use, and makes them decide whether to use forehand or blackhand - this either forces errors or gives weaker returns. Try aiming for their elbow if they enjoy stomach shots, and do wide shots when they look scared.
|
|||
http://www.static-sounds.com
Check out our tunes! |
|||
TTHOUSTON
Super Member Joined: 07/24/2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 161 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
First, You need to let every one know your RATING, then the advice will help you get some point in your game at YOUR SKILL. With some advice up here, I think that is toooooo much for some one ~1700. With those advice as Fast loop then Slow loop or Loop this corner then loop other corner. Hit on their elbow and kill the shot....ect, that is not easy. If you can do all that then you don't need to ask us because you should be over 2000 us rating and you should know how to hanlde those kind of thing.
Note for some advicer....don't take world player or really high level skill to advice a player around ~1700 skill...NOT HELP AT ALL.
|
|||
ninglei23
Super Member Joined: 02/14/2011 Location: Philippines Status: Offline Points: 474 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
I think I am around 1200 0r 1100
|
|||
Yinhe V-14
FH:Xiom Vega Pro BH:Donic Baracuda |
|||
icontek
Premier Member This is FPS Doug Joined: 10/31/2006 Location: Maine, US Status: Offline Points: 5222 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
||
I think there's a lot of great general advice in this thread, but as someone right around that level who has at least three regular opponents (US1200,US1500,US1600) who play a strong blocking game as a cornerstone, maybe I can be of help. If your opponents are only a level or two above, as my opponents are, then they will still have glaring weaknesses. Both strategically (big picture), and tactically (individual strokes), it's up to you identify their weaknesses and exploit them to win points, or force them to lose points. I would argue that based on your level, you should focus on placement and use attacking power when you have a clear shot that will not only land on the table > 75% but also to a position that will win you the point or create a weak return. So figure this out: What type of balls do they prefer? What type of balls do they struggle with? I encourage you to observe their matches against other players and think about angle of your shot and the spin that will create the greatest discomfort for your blocker. As you progress and once you get a sense of their blocking habits and preferences, you can also better predict how they will use their block and start to use their strength against them. For example: -All three of my opponents have a strong backhand block; it nullifies my strongest shot (FH loop down the line) and against them i will only use this shot if i have moved them over to their FH side. Furthermore, their BH blocks make using BH-BH topspin risky as they can punch block down the my FH side. -None of them have a stable FH block against heavy topspin. Knowing that, I prefer to use crosscourt FH's to move them out of their BH corner. During this time when I create movement by hitting wide FH shots, I have an opportunity to hit middle deep to catch their elbow as they cross the table. -And because my opponents lack a BH loop, I also can get away with pushing to their wide BH and then pick hitting down the line to their FH after I have them out of position. And when I lose to the US1500 and US1600 players (which happens more often than not), it's not because my strategy or tactics are inherently bad, it's almost always because my footwork leaves me in a weak position to play the point. But the occasional wins against those players certainly feel sweet :D Hope this helps! |
|||
Post Reply | Page <1234> |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |
Forum Home | Go to the Forums | Forum Help | Disclaimer
MyTableTennis.NET is the trading name of Alex Table Tennis Ltd. |