About defensive mode
Match Strategy
Ardak . Asked 3 years ago
Hi, coach!
If only some of my topspins fails then I continue to play in an offensive mode. I noticed that if my 3-4 topspins in a row fail (go off the table, to the net) then I start to play in a defensive mode. Although I choose only good moments to do topspin. Especially vs players with pimples. I start to play only with chops like old days (10 years ago) when I didn't know what is topspin. Against some players this strategy worked good. But sometimes I lose badly even to those I usually win. Is it a bad habit? What do you suggest?
Alois Rosario Answered 3 years ago
Hi Ardak,
I think you need to determine whether you want to make the topspin stroke on these balls.
If that is what you want to do then in training you need to set yourself the task of making sure that you topspin whenever you have the opportunity to do so... even if you are missing a few. You obviously have the ability to make the stroke so it is more a matter of continuing to work out how to make the stroke effectively rather than reverting to a defensive game.
Thoughts on this question
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Ardak . Posted 3 years ago
Thank you coach!
I noticed that I start to play defensively if I want to win the game very much, so I don't want to risk. It happens if I set myself the task to win the tournament, and don't want to lose. And also if I play an opponent which I don't want to lose, id est which makes me very very sad if I lose. Another similar situation: A club mate said that I stop attacking if I am winning the game and close to the point 11, for example if I am winning 9:6.
About training... I usually train at home against tha wall. My friends(club-mates) doesn't want to train. For them playing is more interesting. Some of them calls me a topspinner. Because most of my club mates doesn't even use topspin. They usually hit flat, smash, block, push and chop. I struggle to find a sparring partner. So my training happens during the games....
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 3 years ago
This is quite natural to become more defensive when you particularly want to win. Focus more on the execution of what you want to do. Try to have less focus on the win or loss.
Ardak . Posted 3 years ago
Thank you, coach! Today morning I read your suggestion, then I participated the same tournament (every sunday), played the same people in the same league. I did what you said above. Tried to have less focus on the win or lose, tried to focus on "playing correct". Attacked when it there was opportunity. It was fun to play with this mentality. Thank you coach!!!