Backhand oriented player

Jasper Low Asked 1 month ago

Take a look at Noshad Alamiyan's close match with Wang Chuqin. https://youtu.be/XoyALPKTv3A?si=UT__OE5QI-o1w8Qt

I actually felt this was the most interesting match to watch in the whole tournament. It's a very unorthodox style that was able to give Wang Chuqin a lot of problems. I heard he plays almost completely backhand only because he has some kind of condition that prevents him from having any power on the forehand. It's such an interesting way to play the game and still be able to compete at the top level. What do you think?

Alois Rosario Answered 2 weeks ago

Hi Jasper,

Thanks for sharing that match.  Noshad Alamiyan is known for his distinctive style, heavily relying on his backhand, even in situations where most players would typically use a forehand. This can certainly make him a tricky opponent as it leads to unexpected plays and challenges traditional playing strategies.

Alamiyan’s approach is quite rare at the top levels of table tennis where players generally strive for a balanced game. This adaptation showcases his skill and creativity.

Watching a player like Alamiyan can provide valuable lessons in adaptability and innovation. For players and coaches, it's a reminder that there are many ways to reach high levels in sports, and sometimes, constraints can lead to the development of unique strengths. It also emphasises the importance of having a strong backhand, which is sometimes overlooked in favour of the more powerful forehand.

For those looking to improve their backhand or adapt their style due to physical constraints, Alamiyan’s game is a great study. It’s important to focus on precision, timing, and placement, which are all areas where he excels.