Strategy for a smasher

Greg M Asked 7 years ago

I am hoping you would clear my issue. I have a player that has a strong flat smash which he uses to his strength by setting it up. The only problem with this is he would sometimes get it off the table I would say probably 70% he gets the point. Also when he does this he always follows through but some players are able to return it and he is caught out of position. 

My question is I always have him doing in practice a top spin FH attack but he ends up doing a flat smash instead during the games. Should I keep trying to have him do the topspin FH or have him perfect his strength with flat smash?

Thank you.

Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago

Hi Greg,

I think it is a matter of getting a balance between the two strokes.  Learning when to smash and when to topspin.  The 30% that he is missing may be better to approach with a topspin to add some safety but I wouldn't get rid of his smash altogether as it is obviously a strength in his game.