Backhands in match

Ardak . Asked 4 years ago

Hi coach!

Last 2 weeks I am training with a club-mate who is in the same level as me. I mean in mini tournaments sometimes he wins, sometimes I win. In this 2 weeks my BH topspin is improved very much. I started to win some players which I was losing before. But my sparring partner doesn't see any improvement in his game. He used to play only with FH side of the blade. He always chops. If the ball is higher then he smashes very consistently. Recently he beat a pro girl who is ranked 31 in our country.  But he never plays with BH side. Instead he uses footwork. He practiced BH topspin with me, but he says he still can't use it in the game. He started to think that the training (with me) is meaningless, not useful. What do you suggest? 

Alois Rosario Answered 4 years ago

Hi Ardak,

Starting to transfer skills into a match is a process that you need to work through.  See if they can start to play more backhand topspins.

In training put more balls to try to find his backhand side.  Play the ball anywhere and work the placement so that you make it more and more difficult for him to play all forehand.