Defensive Shot selection

General

Andrew T
Andrew T Asked 15 years ago

Hi Alois and Jeff,

I was just going through your videos for the umpteenth time and I also saw some posts about a defensive style.  I was wondering if you could talk about when it is better/more appropriate to use a chop versus a lob or a long range loop.  In what positions should you be; in what positions your opponent should be; and some general strategy to getting back to the table if you get pushed away.  I have an all-around inverted rubber bat (just for reference).

Thanks,

Andrew T

Alois Rosario
Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Andrew,

In order I think the shot selection should go something like loop, chop, lob.

The loop if you can get a handle on it is an attacking stroke and difficult for your opponent to counter even when you are away from the table.  The chop is my next choice because you can use variation of spin and by keeping the ball low make a difficult ball for you roppoenent to return.  If they play a tentative stroke it will give you a chance to step in and play an attacking storke of the next ball.

The advantage of the lob is that it gives you a bit more time to position yourself but it is usually a relatively simple stroke for your opponent to deal with.

As a very rough guide I would think that is you make a topspin from away from the table you may be a 40% chance of winning, with a chop about 30% and with a lob about 10%. Of course these are really general guidelines.

Another thing to consider is that you should be trying to force your way back into the point when you are in a defensive position.  Often getting closer to the table can be better to cut off the angle of your opponent.  Too often I see players content to just stay back and put the ball back on the table.  Look to play the most aggressive stroke you can.  Aggressive doesn't always mean fast, it can be more spin, lower and better placed. 

If yo uthink about when you are in the reverse position you will feel comfortable if the defender is content to sit back and just get the ball back.  you would feel much omre threatened if they were trying to push forward or play an aggressive ball.

I hope this all helps.

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Thoughts on this question

Andrew T

Andrew T Posted 15 years ago

Thanks Alois,

That all definitely helps.  One thing that I was interested in that you alluded to but didn\'t describe in detail was how exactly to get back to the table.  Should I hit progressively harder? A flat ball from distance would get more pace but doesn\'t seem to have good margin.  How would I approach getting more pace if this is what I should do? More spin with higher throw?  Should I spread them as I come in or hit it at the elbow?

Thanks in advance and for the advice,

Andrew

Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 15 years ago

Hi Andrew, The effective shots with spin, speed and placement will give you the time opportunity to get back into the table. By keeping the ball low and forcing them to lift tentatively for example, you will get the time to move in. What you are looking for is a weaker stroke from your opponent that will give you that time. Playing any of the shots I described earlier may give you this opportunity.
Dave McIntosh Unknown

Dave McIntosh Unknown Posted 15 years ago

Hi Jeff & Alois

I have just played your excellent DVD PingSkills coaching Lesson Vol 2 items 3 forehand smash & 4 Lob against smash. When I play against a good lob player it’s a bit like the DVD, I keep smashing and the ball keeps coming back and around about the fifth or sixth return I usually lose the point. So my average against the lob is about 20%, not a very good return for all the effort. As I am only 5ft 6 inches tall the ball does not have to get very high before I am reaching up for it. Can you suggest a better tactical approach against the lob.

Best Regards

Dave McIntosh

 

Mat Unknown

Mat Unknown Posted 15 years ago

Obviously, there will be some good players who are effective lobbers, using spin, pace and placement to put you off. First of all, you must try and make it unpredictable for your opponent by smashing on either sides. If they place the ball too short over the net, you can do what is called a smother kill, where you topspin back across when the ball has just made contact with the table and is on its rise. This can put your opponent off balance. Sometimes, you may want to resort to short returns (place carefully and not too high as for your opponent to attack). if the ball is almost directly above the table, you can attempt a chop smash, a vertical chop combined with smash which is quite difficult to return.
Andrew T

Andrew T Posted 15 years ago

You might also want to try hitting it right at the elbow if they are just starting to move back.  It will catch them off guard and in an awkward postion.  If you get your opponent off balance your next shot is more likely to be a winner.

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