vladimir samsonov

Hi Coach,

I was looking at some youtube videos and i loved the game of Vladimir samsonov. would you pls. comment on his strength, specialty and what all can one learn from his game, (for my understanding of what greats like you look at in somebody's game) also if you can comment on his weak areas. also i found his way of doing a pendulum serve very very unique, what are your views on that action of his? does ithelp you better prepare for a third ball

Regards,

MV 

Hi Manish,

He is one of my favourite players too.

His strength is his ability to see the ball early and the simplicity of his game and his high toss pendulum serve.

The service action with the high toss enables him to generate more spin on the serve because the ball after falling from that height has more speed on it when it hits the bat.  So it is more the amount of spin that allows him to get an advantage in the rally.

If he has a weak area it is his middle.  Because he is so tall he finds defending  out of his middle more difficult than other areas of the table.