Close to the Table

Carlo Unknown Asked 15 years ago

I would like to know how many feet until it becomes mid distance. I plan on being a close to the table attacker.

Jeff Plumb Answered 15 years ago

Hi Carlo,

It is a good idea in general to stay as close to the table as you can. This gives your opponent less time to deal with your strokes. However as always there is a balance as you will also have less time if your opponent does return your stroke.

Close to the table attackers often utilise short pimples and play a lot of smashes and counterhits without imparting heavy topspin. To achieve this it is important to stay very close to the table, probably within 2 feet and use short sharp strokes.

Once you get further than 2 to 3 feet away, a loop with more topspin is usually required to ensure you can hit the ball consistently and with power. This could be considered mid distance. Of course with time permitting you can still play a loop from close to the table especially if you have driven your opponent further back from the table.