Playing left handers
Strategy
B N Asked 12 years ago
Hi I play a left hander regularly who has a very good forehand but a weak backhand. I want to play to his backhand but he stands as far to his backhand side as possible so it's very hard too play to his backhand. I tried playing to wide forehand but his footwork is very good and he gets there in time to attack. What shall I do? Thanks
Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago
Hi Benedict,
The key here is the next ball. You are doing the right thing by hitting the ball wide to his forehand first. Then think about just blocking the ball to his backhand side next once you have exposed his backhand corner.
You don't have to play a strong shot there just use the pace of his shot to position the next one into that side of the table. The fact that he has a weak backhand can be exposed.
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Tactics Against Penhold Players
When playing penhold players it is important to remember to first analyse your opponent as you would if they used any grip. What are their strengths and weaknesses? A common weakness of penhold players is their forehand block especially against a slow spinny topspin. Their backhand may be a weakness if they use the traditional style, or you may wish to explore the crossover point if they are using the reverse penhold backhand.
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B N Posted 12 years ago
Thanks a lot. I think it's a brilliant tactic.
Let me know if it works for you.
B N Posted 12 years ago
It worked really well. But I think I need to get the shots more accurate to use it to its full effect. Unfortunately Ididn't winbecause I was losing too many points on my serve. He stand in the middle returning but my pendulum down the line isnt as fast or spinny as cross court so even on backhand he could attack. Hope you come up with another brilliant tactic. Thanks Alois
YOu could also try serving fast and wide to his forehand and then blocking the next ball to his forehand. The serve would need to be wide and fast though to be effective. This will take some time training the serve to get better.
B N Posted 12 years ago
Ok I'll try it.