To kill or not to kill...
Discussion
Glenn Rochon Asked 11 years ago
Hello Alois,
The other night a few of my table tennis friends took a doubles break to discuss an issue. My partner and I were trailing 6-10. I served, and a fairly decent shot was returned (low, but mid-long, and not that fast). My partner then went for a backhand drive kill, which he missed. An unforced error. Game over. I thought that his aggressiveness was premature, and I said so. He said that if he feels he has a 60 % chance of hitting a winner then he will go for it, whether the game be singles or doubles. I kind of feel that in doubles the points should be longer, for more maneuvering is occurring, strategical and positional sparring is taking place, with pushes and the like. Another player said a quota should not be placed before opening up the point. If a shot is there, take it. Fine. I guess the question is: If you had to put a "success percentage" on a shot--when to go for it or not--what would it be? And is this number different for doubles and singles. And does the game score come into play?
Thanks for your consideration,
Glenn
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Glenn,
The percentage I think depends on your opponent. If you are playing against someone that is less likely to return the ball effectively then I think you go for 80 to 90% shots. If you are playing someone that is very strong and is likely to hit a winner against you if you give them too many opportunities then you could go for more attacks and lower percentage shots.
I think in doubles the same applies. You have more opportunities to out position your opponents however each player has more time to be ready for their next shot. If anything I would say you need to go for more in doubles.
The game score can come into play. If you think that your opponent is getting nervous or impetuous then keeping the ball on the table is more appropriate.
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Glenn Rochon Posted 11 years ago
Thanks Alois, for your prompt insightful response. Yes, taking account of the opponents' playing level makes sense. One may have to reach down deeper, take a few more chances, and raise one's game to win. I still must ponder and churn over the comment that in doubles one may have to go for more. My little group hovers around 1600, and I wonder if skill level comes into the mix as a factor (i.e. more advanced players tend to push less, and use topspin more). Thanks again.
Ji-Soo Woo Posted 11 years ago
Interesting. I always felt that, all things being equal, being consistent was more important in doubles than singles. Aside from everything else, it is quite deflating for your partner if you miss an aggressive risky attack and the point is over early in a rally. They are then more likely to go for a low percentage attack themselves because they figure if they don't, you'll just miss another attack anyway. This can be a vicious cycle. Definitely, in doubles, I find it is bad to have two very aggressive attackers who have hot and cold patches and are not that consistent. It is good to pair one consistent player with one strong attacker.
mat huang Posted 11 years ago
i depends on your level and consistency. MOst players at high level (pro or national team) will attack but in saying that, they hardly miss. Whereas when you're in lower level- intermediate, it more about unforced errors.
ujjval verma Posted 11 years ago
My partner and I are both attacking players... I found that during a tournament we got messed up everything. Our commients to each other made us defensive and few mistakes did ride on our head. Though both of us rank 1 and 2 individually at our place... but we are not the best team here !
My feeling is... Aggresive + Consistent player combo is a better one.
Please share experience and guidance.
I agree an attacker with a more consistent player works well.
Eshaan Mishra Posted 11 years ago
how should i can i stay calm hen in very difficult situations?
divyam tyagi Posted 11 years ago
sir,
how should should i back spin the ball in return?
Hi Eshaan,
We cover all details of serving in our Serving Secrets Revealed section for our premium members.
To add backspin you need to get a fine brushing contact on the ball. It can be easier to practice this away from the table and try to get the ball to spin back to you on the floor. Once you can achieve that you can go back to the table and actually try the serve for real.
Good luck!