Playing Against a Lefty
Match Strategy
Alexander Simonian Asked 8 years ago
Hi Alois,
I currently lose against a left-handed player who improved his forehand topspin and sends me some crazy fast side spinned balls to my mid table and I can't block them because I am not used to that direction and always short of time to choose the right angle to block. What is a general recommendation against left-handed attackers? What service and so on?
Thanks beforehand,
Alexander
Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago
Hi Alexander,
I would try to serve shorter and then play the ball into his backhand more during the rally. That sidespin from a left-hander can be really difficult to deal with.
Often players like that will have a weaker defence so if you can make the first attack you will force them on the defensive. Strategically think of ways you can make that first attack. It can change the game completely.
Thoughts on this question
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Alexander Simonian Posted 8 years ago
Thank you, Alois! Will try to follow although it's really difficult as I am not playing left handed players very often and tend to push long to his FH which should have been BH )))
D K Posted 8 years ago
I love playing against lefthanders with weak backhand :DD
I like the direction of their forehand sidespin loop,because they play it into my strongest area. :D
Alexander Simonian Posted 8 years ago
Hi D K,
could you help then? What are you doing against the fast sidespin? Block or counter topsoin?
D K Posted 8 years ago
Aah... I am not sure,I would probably block it.
I am not a conventional player,I am a classical defender and I like to chop it.
I would block it.
Be careful-the more sidespin the ball has on it,the less topspin can it have.
So,against a really heavy sidespin that curves a lot,it usually does not have much topspin on it.
So do not close your bat so much.
Yes,you still need to close your bat a lot.
But think logically.
Sidespin loop from lefthander's forehand will bounce to the right and up when it hits your bat.
So,you need to close your bat and aim for your left side,thus your opponent's backhand.
There is also the possibility to step a bit back and use a sidespin loop from your backhand.
It is difficult and I rarely manage to do it.
In fact,I rarely attempt to do it.
I am a player who attempts to play similarly to Koji Matsushita,if you know him.
The best option is,though,not letting him to play this shot.
Prevention is the best defense in my opinion,if you are bad at defending.
Here is a link to the video of Master Waldner dealing with lefthander sidespin loop.
You can inspire :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_8o-QNErsQ
D K Posted 8 years ago
It is not with strong sidespin,but I think that loop has a bit of sidespin.
Regardless,Waldner's stroke would be effective anyway.
Maybe even more effective
Alexander Simonian Posted 8 years ago
Thank you for your comment.
Yep..well I also love Waldner's https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgXcUeJ9_gA ..look at 3:13 ))
I'll try next time to prevent, at the momen blocking is hard for me. It needs more practicing againsts lefthanded players which I don't get.
D K Posted 8 years ago
Waldner was certainly a number one blocker.
Watch the PingSkills videos Improving your reflexes and Anticipation.
You can also see Kenta Matsudaira's sidespin block.
It is really difficult shot,but can cover your middle better and should be especiall effective against such a shot.