Best Strategy when using a Hard Bat against a Hard Bat?

Davi Unknown Asked 15 years ago

Let me explain why I'm asking this. I entered the Bud Light Hard Bat Classic and won the tournament. http://www.qfm96.com/Article.asp?id=1208693&spid= That's the info on the tourny but the one i'm in was in a different state. That qualifies me to play in the main event tournament which is coming up this Thursday. The winner of that goes to Las Vegas for the big money!

You have to use their bats and they look like this. http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/7057/sportcraft.jpg

I use shakehand grip and the other qualifiers are local Table Tennis League players and they've beaten me before when using regular bats. (I'm not used to all those wicked spins). Because everyone has to use a hard bat, it puts me on more of a level playing field.

The rules are first to 11 switch serves every 2 points. 2 out of 3 games wins. Skunk rule of 7-0 is in effect. 

My footwork/stance is good (tennis player/coach at a high level). I'm young (30). These guys are older (above 40-50) They have been playing for 20+ years. But where I have the advantage is that the tournament is in a busy BAR. That's my turf :) There will be lots of noise, low lighting, not a lot of space around the table. Camera flashes will be going off.

 What's the best or several good strategies to use when playing with a hard bat against a hard bat?

My basic current strategy has been hitting a forhand serve from the left side of the table and when they hit back crosscourt I return down the line with my forehand. If they get to it then I hit another forehand crosscourt. All are medium paced (trying not to give free points). My backhand is being used to push the ball back in play until I get a forehand.

Thank you for reading such a long post!

Cheers from Montana!

Davi 

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Davi,

Good luck with the tournament.  Sounds like a real buzz.

The main tactics when playing a hard bat match is patience and placement.

What you are doing right now is great, placing them from side to side.  Always the 3 things to look for when you are considering tactics are, Spin, Speed and Placement.  You can vary the spin a little but not much.  You can vary the speed somewhat as well.  The big one though is placement.  Keep them moving, especially if they don't move well, and focus on exposing their weaker side.  This may mean, playing to their stronger side first so that they leave the weaker side open.

If they are not prepared to attack at all, you can really take your time and move them around.  If they do hit sometimes, you need to be a little more careful.

Enjoy it and let us know the result.