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Playing against a better player

Strategy

yasir huthaifa
yasir huthaifa Asked 13 years ago

hi 

Coach when it comes to play against an opponent who has powerful strokes and long arm and older then me for me in our last match with him I lost it 11-5 11-7 11-6

My technique was to keep playing a lot of short balls but his flicks was very effective on me because when he flick the ball I could attack that ball with forehand topspin or backhand topspin but my maximum power was not enough for me to win the point against him. He was just counter topspin the ball to me and I make a block but he was just winning point after point 

can you help

Alois Rosario
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Yasir,

It sounds like he was good.  In that situation I think the best thing is to focus on trying to vary the speed and spin.  If he can cope with your fast shots then variation is the next best thing.

Also think about learning from him during the game.  Feel what it is like to hit against a better  player and think about playing the best Table Tennis you can.

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4 comments from the PingSkills community.

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yasir huthaifa

yasir huthaifa Posted 13 years ago

yes but we are going to be in a competition soon so is there any way to improve my power as soon as passable 

Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 13 years ago

Hi Yasir.  Try to use your same strokes but get them coming through faster.  This will get the ball moving faster.

Remember though real improvement takes time and patience.

yasir huthaifa

yasir huthaifa Posted 13 years ago

okay but some times when i try to do a faster follow through sometimes the ball goes outside and i am only 13 years old right now and my opponent is 18 years old so there is a lot of differences between our power and strength and i do not want to let him win the competition this much easly 

 

Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 13 years ago Latest

Hi Yasir,

Don't try too hard to hit the ball fast.  Let it develop.  You can beat him with other things apart from power.  Think about your spin and variation and placement of the ball.

If you try too hard to hit the ball fast, you will tighten up and it will just lead to more mistake.

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