Forcing the Pace in a Match
Strategy
Ilia Minkin Asked 8 years ago
Hi guys,
I've been working for a while on the ability to force the pace early in a rally, like in your #50 lesson of the Training Plan. I have definitely improved my footwork and power of my shots in the drills. But when I try to hit an opening shot in a match situation faster, my consistency goes down, which leaves me frustrated. So in matches, should I keep trying to use more power despite bad losses? Or I should play safer and keep doing the drills until I improve more?
Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago
Hi Ilia,
If you are prepared to lose the match then you should keep focusing on hitting the ball faster. If the result of the match is important then go back to the safer opening topspin.
Keep working on the faster ball in training as well till you are really confident to go for the faster ball.
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Ilia Minkin Posted 8 years ago
Had a horrible 0-3 loss in our local league tonight... But made some great forehand kills of a push -- although missed way more than hit.
OK. Was the match result important to you?
kathy mckelvey Posted 8 years ago
Thank you Alois and Jeff. After experiencing conflict and word exchange in our last meeting, our over 55 age PP club is finally rotating tables after three games, hopefully now we will have the chance to improve playing with more advanced players. There was resistance, upset and angry feedback from old school male seniors, plus a few aggressive females (ha ha) However, change has to happen so whatever the outcome I hope it is peaceful and positive!!
Mike Deubig Posted 8 years ago
Hello Ilia,
Here is something that may help you or may not because I have never seen any of your matches on video...Being able to go faster and win points in table tennis is my favorite part of playing the game! Firstly, how big is your swing? When you go fast, you need a shorter swing. Many people will try to generate more power by increasing their swing, but by doing so cuts down on the time you can respond to your opponent's successful return. Secondly, footwork! Are you setting up well for the next ball or are you moving while trying to hit the ball? Thirdly, placement! Are you hitting the ball to a weaker side of your opponent? Placement is always key when going faster. Fourthly, what about producing more(faster) spin. For all players, there is a threshold on how much spin one can handle. Good luck playing :)
Igor Poletaev Posted 8 years ago
I fully agree with Mike Deubig. Great four points!