Close table attacking
Match Strategy
Oliver Asked 11 years ago
Hi Alois and Jeff,
I was told by many people, including you guys to stay close to the table. This is working out very well for me, especially in my backhand: I can keep the ball low and control the placement better. However, there is a new problem for me: my strength is my forehand topspin, which was very effective when back from the table but now since I am close to the table, I often reflexively use my forehand block, which is one of my not-so-good shots, especially as an offensive player and when I do use it, it is not as good as before, as there is not much room. So how can I play a close-table powerful forehand topspin and a close-table counter loop? Or should I just go back to playing my far-table style and work on pivoting and a backhand topspin?
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Oliver,
I think that you can still play your forehand topspin. What you can do is play your backhands from close to the table and twist more side on for your forehand. This will mean you are hitting it from a little further away from the table. This will give you a bit more time and space to play your topspin.
Your stance could have your left leg more forward and your right leg back. This will put you in a better position for both strokes. Try this out and let me know if you can work out what I am saying.
Thoughts on this question
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Oliver Posted 11 years ago
Thank you sir. I see what you are saying. I will work on my twisting.
Brett Stephen Posted 9 years ago
Hi Alois,
In addition to what you told Oliver should there be any change on the back-swing for the forehand loop? I've been trying to train closer to the table since I started playing again, but a few players have told me I should shorten my back-swing; especially on my forehand. Are there any specific drills you recommend? Thanks.
Brett
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago
Hi Brett,
If you are twisting, you won’t need to change the arm action too much at all. The twist will take care of the timing and movement of your racket.
Brett Stephen Posted 9 years ago
Hi Alois,
I'm twisting so I guess with more practice I should perfect it. Thanks.
Ilia Minkin Posted 9 years ago
This is the dilemma I'm facing right now.
>Your stance could have your left leg more forward and your right leg back. This will put you in a better position for both strokes.
If I adapt this stance, should I play both BH & FH from the same position, or I should move my feet to stand more square on BH and then return on FH? What about down the line shots on BH?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago
You can keep basically the same stance and play both forehand and backhand from there. Make sure your knees are bent and then utilise the waist to twist into position.