Learning to play defensively.. now or later?
General
Duncan Wraight Asked 12 years ago
Hi both,
I've been playing regularly (3 times/week, 2 to 3 hours per night with one league match/week) for about 8 weeks now.
I have an offensive blade with offensive rubbers, and I'm learning to play the game in an offensive manner - as per PingSkills tuition.
I do, however, thoroughly enjoy "chopping" and playing defensively. My favourite player to watch is Joo Se Hyuk.
My question is this: if I wanted to, long-term, play as a defensive player, should I start to play in that manner now or should I learn the game as an offensive player first? I've far from mastered that, obviously!
I read and understand spin, but parts of my technique are still lacking (such as my non-existent backhand).
I know that defensive players are generally at a disadvantage in "this day and age" with the size of the ball and the scoring system but I'm not out to be the best. I do however like to improve consistently and don't want to "waste" any time in my learning curve.
Thanks,
Duncan
Jeff Plumb Answered 12 years ago
Hi Duncan,
I think that you need to follow your heart here. If Joo Se Hyuk is your favourite player and you really enjoy chopping, then I would switch to that style now. It's good that you have an understanding of and can read spin because that will be vital with your new style.
In a lot of ways defenders are at a disadvantage but because there are less of them, your style might be something players aren't used to and it may work in your favour.
If you are going to play the game for a long time it's important to have fun and that means playing the style you enjoy most.
I hope this advice helps. Good luck!
Recommended Video
#16 - Backhand Placement
In this session we focus on your backhand attack and in particular the placement of your backhand attack. By being able to vary the placement of your backhand attack you will keep your opponent guessing and be able to play to wherever you feel is there weakest spot defensively.
Watch NowThoughts on this question
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Duncan Wraight Posted 12 years ago
Thanks Jeff, I appreciate that.
Do you have any recommendations as to where I can learn to play the game in a defensive manner? Or, alternatively, just some basic guidance in terms of constructing points?
I appreciate that you wouldn't want new PingSkillers to get confused by adding defensive strokes to your repertoire of current videos, but it'd be great if a selection was available - possibly under a clear "Defensive Play" title or something.
Cheers,
Hi Duncan,
We will add Match Strategy lessons for Defensive players as well.
Some things to think about are keeping the ball low and deep. Also using variation of spin and speed to confuse your opponent. Also you need to develop consistency with your defensive stroke so that the attacker knows they won't get any free points from errors. This forces the attacker to take a few more risks to win points and this will lead to more errors from them. It also puts them under pressure more during the longer rallies.
Ji-Soo Woo Posted 12 years ago
Hi Duncan
welcome to the wonderful world of LPs. I made the change 5 months ago and it does make things difficult not having a lot of advice out there to guide players like us. I mainly use youtube videos of professional players who use LP (like Joo) to try and develop my own game - but it's not easy! Main thing is to persevere because there it can be very frustrating sometimes.