Short balls
Strategy
Noah Clayborne Asked 8 years ago
Hey Coach, I was wondering for short back spin returns should I use the forehand flick or the forehand loop?
Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago
Hi Kim,
If the ball is short the best response is a short push or a flick if it hasn't got too much backspin on it.
We do have an interesting tutorial for our Premium members as well on Receiving Options.
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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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Johan B Posted 8 years ago
You're a magician if you can loop a really short one!
Noah Clayborne Posted 8 years ago
well that's good since i'm a magician.
Harry Goldstein Posted 8 years ago
I wonder how many elderly players (I'm 85 years old) there are on these lessons?
I'm left-handed and unfortunately bothered by a neurological problem so that it is difficult to move out of my partner's way in our doubles games. When I receive a serve in doubles I use my backhand and usually try to flick the short serves and topspin any longer serves. That may let me cover the table with my forehand for my turn with less movement. My opponents of course know my present limitations and take advantage of it.
Do you have any suggestions that might be better for my game?
Harry
Igor Poletaev Posted 8 years ago
I think that hitting the short ball by loop is a bit dangerous in the case your opponent is able to make an effective response by hard block or counter-loop. This might catch you in the wrong position too close to the table. Some good players use to provoke their opponents to play flick or loop right over the table being themselves ready to respond quickly while opponent's stomach is on the table. :)
Hi Harry,
It is more about where your partner hits the ball when it is his turn. If your partner hits the ball to a position that is diagonal to you then your opponents are likely to hit the ball back towards you. Try to get your partner to hit the ball down the line more. This should mean that you are then in a better position to hit the ball.