What is an Open Rally?

Andrew Pape Asked 14 years ago

Hi Alois,

When I wrote that I've been experimenting with short pimples (on both sides), you answered:

"Short pimples need a lot of training because you don;t have the margin for error on them.  They are really good for a flat open game.  Perhaps starting with a more open rally would help you."

I was just wondering what you mean by an "open rally". Sorry if this seems a dumb question, but I haven't heard the term used before. Hence I don't know how to start with an open rally.

Cheers,

Andrew

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Andrew,

Sorry for using the jargon.

An open rally is one just using topspin or flat hitting. So avoiding the short balls and the backspin balls.

So, I was talking about starting the rally with a flat or fast long serve so that you don't get a short backspin ball or a backspin ball that you need to lift.  Rather you would get a topspin or flat ball that the pimples copes with this type of ball better.