Copying serves strategies and equipment

D K Asked 9 years ago

Hi Alois and Jeff

Firstly,I would like to thank you thousand times,because although it was not enough to allow me to win a set,you two took my game at absolutely another level. 

And also I have some questions.

1)First one is:

Today I had a training match with a player who is a great fan of Vladimir Samsonov and is very successful at copying his lazy-looking "let them play" style.

But when we started the match,I did two serves,both lost,and then my opponent started to exactly copy what I did!!

He used the same serves as me,exactly the same serves.

Then he tried to use my thirdball or fifthball strokes.

Sometimes he did not get a chance,because I failed to return the serve.

What do you think about such a strategy,copying my opponent's strategies and serve patterns?

2)and second:Said player recently changed his equipment to get the same bat as his idol,Samsonov.

What do you think about this?

Is it good,when I try to imitate some master's style and his equipment too?

I know it probably is not a rule,but this player controls Samsonov-like bat really well.

Is it only a huge accident,or does it come with style?

DK

Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

HI DK,

During a match I don’t think you should copy your opponent.  It is more about initiating strategies that will be difficult for them.

It is good to watch and copy the styles of better players.  They are better players because they have good technique.

I don’t think this is necessarily the same with their equipment as they are probably using equipment relative to their skill level which the beginner or learning player may not have reached.