Match temperament and strategy

Pronit Roy Chowdhury Asked 13 years ago

Sir, while playing a tournament i often get nervous and i start hitting stupid shots which decreases the chances of mine to win. Sir, i request you to tell me the strategy to play against attacking and defensive players. I am a good at my loops and topspin. But my backhand and forehand push is moderate. Your guidance would help me in further tournaments. Thanks i advance.  

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Pronit,

One of the signs of nervousness is making bad decisions.  This comes out in hitting the ball either too hard or too soft or to bad positions.

The key is to be able to calm yourself once you recognise that this is happening.  A simple technique is to stop, take a deep breath to calm your breathing down and then think about what you want to do on the next point.  Think about the tactic you want to employ.

It sounds like you need to work on your pushing.  This is an important stroke that will help to set up the points for you. Work on keeping the ball low and close to the et so that the attacking player doesn't have an opportunity to make the attack.  Also the defensive player will be kept close to the table which will make your attack more effective.

One of the keys to good pushing is to have relaxed hands.  This is an area that will tighten up quickly when you start to get nervous.  If you feel this happen, then again it is time for a breath.

Take a look at our previous Ask the Coach questions in the Mental Preparation  category.  A lot of these will also help you.