How to play against good FH attacker
Match Strategy
Ardak . Asked 7 months ago
Hi, coach!
Yesterday I played an attacker who tries to do powerful topspins immediately after serving. He doesn't attack using BH topspin, but he moves and does FH topspin. I tried to push to his BH side, if the ball is very short it is uncomfortable for attack then he does very fast, spinny and low push to my BH side, and I can't return it by attacking. I returned it by pushing. How to play him?
Alois Rosario Answered 7 months ago
Hi Ardak,
Playing against a strong forehand attacker can indeed be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can definitely turn the game in your favor. We have a tutorial that will help you on Playing an Attacking Looper.
Here are a few more tips on how you can adjust your tactics:
Since your opponent is comfortable attacking with his forehand, aim to keep him guessing where the next ball will go. Mix up your shots by placing them deep on his backhand side and then suddenly switch to his forehand side. Also, include some short balls to his forehand to make him move forward and disrupt his rhythm.
When pushing to his backhand, ensure your returns are low with good backspin. This reduces his ability to attack effectively. If he sends a fast spinny push to your backhand, try to control the return rather than just pushing it back. You can use soft hands to drop the ball short or employ a chop block that changes the pace and spin of the game.
Since it sounds like you're having trouble when the play switches to your backhand, consider working on strengthening your backhand loop or drive. This will not only help you in returning his attacks but will also make you a more versatile player overall.
Use your serve to create opportunities for yourself. Employ different spin and placement in your serves to force weaker returns from him, which you can attack or place strategically.
Thoughts on this question
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Ardak . Posted 7 months ago
Hi, coach!
Thank you for your suggestions. When I read your advices I feel like I already beat my opponent :). You give tons of confidence, mental strength. Thank you!
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 7 months ago
No problems Ardak.
Ardak . Posted 6 months ago
Hi, coach!
Recently I played that FH attacker. I was very close to win. I lost 2:3, while in the first match I lost him 0:3 badly. This time I applied your suggestions. Controlling the ball placement helped very well, I was not just returning. I hope next time I will win!
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 6 months ago
Well done Ardak. Keep working hard.
D K Posted 6 months ago
There is also the part of your own service Ardak.
Forehand attackers tend to expect lot of the serves to their backhand,so that they can pivot.
You can use it to your advantage by serving a few short serves to his backhand,and then a surprise fast serve to his forehand.
Another type of play which could help is doing a low,short,but dead ball,without spin.
Then,when he tries to push it long,it has a high chance of going off the end of the table.
Overally,a push can be a powerful weapon when one uses brain during the push.
As Alois says,you can control the return of the push. Vary the length,spin,placement.
Another strategy with service could also be a shorter service which goes over his forehand sideline.
That will make quite sure that his attack will go cross-court,which could enable you to be one step ahead.
Ardak . Posted 6 months ago
Thank you, D K !