Appelgren style
Match Strategy
Shripathi ramakrishnan Asked 11 years ago
hi pingskills!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYmEH0eyIf8
in this match between the two legends, appelgren always seemed to back off from the table and play topspins rather than stay close and be forced back if he played an error. is he a defensive player or is this just his preference? can you please explain his style to me?
also waldner seemed to have trouble returning his backhands at few stages and seemed almost unable to play a harder shot! how is appelgren preventing him from playing a harder shot ? also he doesnt seem to attack as often as waldner did? is it just plain 70% with lots of spin or is he doing something else a "mere mortal" like me cant see :-) ?
thank you and god bless!
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Shripathi,
Appelgren liked to play away from the table with a lot of topspin. It may seem like Waldner wasn't hitting the ball hard because of the way Appelgren was returning but he is in fact hitting the ball with good speed.
Appelgren makes it difficult because of his positioning slightly away from the table to be able to hit through him. He also keeps the ball low over the net and moves so well to cover the table. Remember too that these two players played a lot with each other so they were better able to read the other player's shots.
Thoughts on this question
Become a free member to post a comment about this question.
Mudit Kapoor Posted 11 years ago
Hello Alois,
I find certain playing styles equally very controlled and powerful. I feel Appelgren has the style which I would like to cultivate. Can you please let me know that how can we develop such playing style? What key points should I focus on while I watch the match and how should I structure my practice sessions?
Thank you and best regards,
Mudit
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Mudit,
He has a very simple style making topspin from away from the table and using both his forehand and backhand. He varies the spin and speed on the ball but keeps the pressure on the other player by placing the ball well.
Look to practice your topspin first and then go from there.
Mudit Kapoor Posted 11 years ago
Hello Alois,
Yes, he is so simple yet so effective. Here is the confusion on my part though, senior players always advice to stay close to the table so that you give less time to the opponent. Not only that, it is also mentioned that you have better control playing close to the table.
However, since we are discussing Appelgren, he is playing away from the table. So, I am now confused that how it is possible for the player to play away from the table and play like Appelgren :). Hope you understood my confusion.
Best regards,
Mudit
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Mudit,
This is a particular style that works well for him. You need excellent footwork and balance to be able to play this style. You also need really god feel for the ball. Most players are better suited to playing close to the table but Applegren made his style work for him.
If you are keen to try it, give it a go and see if it suits you.
Shripathi ramakrishnan Posted 11 years ago
well, not bad. i had some success trying the appelgren style(limited). although when i start lifting up the ball, i tend to lift it a little too much and my opponents can smash very hard. can you tell me how i can practice keeping the ball lower?
also when my opponent hits hard topspin, i manage to complete the stroke and get decent rotation on the ball but it almost never goes over net level? how can i return these faster balls?
sorry for asking so many questions but i really like the apples style of play! :-P
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
HI Shripathi,
It sounds like you need practice in controlling the height of the ball. This is a matter of touch as well. You could put a sting across the net like we show you in the lesson on Keeping The Ball Low. It doesn't have to be too low for this drill as you are further away from the table.
When they hit the ball faster the ball will feel heavier. IN this case you need to make your stroke more vertical than you may think.