Game strategy against fast player
Match Strategy
Ardak . Asked 8 years ago
I played with a guy who plays really fast. When he does his very fast topspin serves, I can't react to loop or to use topspin it. Because I cant topspin against very fast balls, also, he serves sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right side. Tried to topspin it or loop, but without success. I can always block it, or counter by flat bat contact. But he continues to topspin, I continue to block. Tried to counter by flat contact to different sides of the table, but after 3-4 blocks I fail. What must I do ?
Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago
Hi Ardak,
First don't try to do too much with the return if you are having problems with it. Instead of just blocking it back, add a little topspin on the ball on the return. You can do this with a small action rather than a big topspin or looking action. He has already put the speed on the ball for you. By pushing your bat over the top of the ball on the return you are going to generate the topspin that will kick of a little faster on their side. This si sometimes enough speed and spin to put them under pressure.
Secondly, make sure you are watching the ball carefully when he is serving. You will find that it gives you a split second longer to react and play a better stroke.
Then in the rally vary the placement and speed of your shots. The thing the attacking player is looking for is an even paced rally where they are able to use their stronger side, forehand or backhand.
Thoughts on this question
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Ardak . Posted 8 years ago
Thank you very much, coach!
The next time when I play such opponent I will try to do generate spin during receiving fast serves, vary placement and speed of my shots.
Ardak . Posted 5 years ago
I forgot to write you, too late but I think it is better than writing nothing. Nearly 1 months later, after your suggestions, applied your suggestions, when he started to attack again, each time I tried to add more spin to my blocks . It worked very good! I am applying this strategy everytime to similar players! Thank you coach!!!
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 5 years ago
Perfect. Great to hear!
Ardak . Posted 5 years ago
But I still block such fast serves. Then opponent starts attacking, then I increase the spins of the blocks. I still can't return fast serves by topspin. Because there is no time to swing. If I know where exactly goes the ball, then I can prepare swing for forehand or backhand topspin. But since it is unpredictable, I only wait. What do you suggest to return fast serves aggressively?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 5 years ago
Don't use a big swing, just use a short swing but move your bat more forward. Watching the ball from the servers hand is important to give yourself more time to see the direction of the ball.
mopa9000 bokholef fouad Posted 5 years ago
Then in the rally vary the placement and speed of your shots. The thing the attacking player is looking for is an even paced rally where they are able to use their stronger side, forehand or backhand.
D K Posted 5 years ago
Ardak,maybe try to check following things too:
Dont press yourself against the table if you know he is going to use long fast serve.
If you are too close,you will not have proper space to do many strokes and als oyou will have less time to react.
What type of serve is it?
Is it a backhand serve or pendulum serve or...?
Use also your own serves wisely.
Such a player would seemingly not like being served short to him.
Or,if you are confident attacking backspins,you can try to chop his serve from a distance as a variation from time to time,if you have some ability with thes troke.