LP strategy
Strategy
Sasha Savic Asked 11 years ago
Hi, Pingskills
I have watched just now a video about how to dominate LP, in which you define basic strategy how to play against LP. Now, Alois, in your video you explain that LP converts spin, so, if you serve back spin, you will get a topspin. But, sometimes, when I push backspin ball, or try to curve it on the side, it goes to the net. Why so? I saw some Joo's returns, even if it is a short ball coming to him, he somehow does chopping-like movement, starting higher with his bat and curve more to the side and up. Of course, I know he is a super player, but, how does he do that? And one other thing: many players have basic strategy against LP, which is: one topspin, one push. So, try to imagine this: my opponent top spins the ball, I am away from the table, and I chop it. Then my opponent pushes with backspin. I am running to catch the ball. But, how should I play against that ball, without giving a possibility to my opponent to attack? Thank you
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Sasha,
When they play this short ball with backspin, try to get there in time to be balanced which is the hard part. Then, play an attacking ball with the long pimples. Or if you push the ball make sure it is deep and fast to their weaker corner, which is usually the backhand.
The sidespin push is tricky but if the ball is going into the net, lift the ball more upwards with your follow through.
Recommended Video
Huang vs Meng Commentary
This match show cases Michael Huang, a two winged looper up against Maggie Meng, a short pimpled penholder who likes to use the reverse penhold backhand with long pimples. In the match you'll get to see how the tactics used by each player shape the match.
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Sasha Savic Posted 11 years ago
Great tip, I will try that
Hi Sasha,
YOu can use any long pimple to chop with . The OX makes it easier to revers the spin. It is harder to control the ball without sponge however. So the thicker the sponge the better control. The thinner the sponge the better the effect.
Ji-Soo Woo Posted 11 years ago
As Alois says, there are differences between LPs, but one can make some rule-of-thumb generalisations (keeping in mind that they ARE generalisations).
OX is generally used more for close-to-table player, LP with sponge more for away-from-table chopping.
You can however chop with OX too. Apparently (can't confirm this but read it somewhere) Sun Jian Fei is the highest rated OX chopper in the world. However, the top world class choppers predominantly use sponge. I heard Joo uses 1.5mm, Chen Weixing uses 1mm, and the recent winner of the 2013 Japan Open and 2013 Czech Open, Shiono, uses 0.5mm.
As a general rule, as Alois said, OX LP = more spin reversal. More spin reversal is good and bad. It's good against weaker players and players who are not familiar with playing against LP because it is MOST different from the way inverted rubbers behave. It can be a liability against strong players and players who know how to play against LPs because it is quite passive. More spin reversal means your spin depends on whatever spin the opponent gives you, and so good players know exactly what they are getting back and can set you up.
The benefits of LP with sponge are that, when you get further from the table, it is easier to land the chops on the table because the sponge gives more oomph off your bat. With OX, you have to put a lot more effort just to get the ball back on the table. Also, less spin reversal means you can manipulate spin more yourself...i.e. you can vary the spin on your chops more which makes it harder for the attacker.
I've never tried the Stiga Destroyer but it is a highly regarded LP rubber. If you are not having much success with it (with all due respect) I suspect it is more a problem of technique than the rubber itself. Also, if you are fairly new to LP chopping, 1.5mm sounds rather thick. With that thickness the LP may be too fast which inhibits development of proper chopping technique. I would go with 1mm or even 0.5mm. I think the success of Shiono demonstrates 0.5mm is a perfectly viable sponge thickness which allows for chopping but also gives good control. I myself use TSP Curl P1r in 0.5mm and find it very effective.
D K Posted 9 years ago
Hi Sasha
under ball or flat stroke...you can do both,it is just about the angle of the bat