Winning against lower level opponents

Jim Hubble Asked 2 weeks ago

I've been playing for a club for three to four years now and have the basics under my belt and can confidently say I'm an intermediate level player. However, sometimes I still find myself losing to beginners, who only have one or two years of playing experience, in games. Despite the fact I believe my strokes are better than my opponent, sometimes my opponent gets the better of me and it leaves me annoyed at myself. What should I work on to stop this happening too often? 

Alois Rosario Answered 1 week ago

Hi Jim,

It’s great to hear that you’ve been progressing well in your table tennis journey! Losing matches to less experienced players can be frustrating, but it’s a common experience that can be tackled with a mix of tactical awareness and mental preparation ideas.

Since you mentioned that your stroke play is generally superior to your opponents’, the issue might lie in your match strategy and psychological approach rather than technical skill.

Here are a few tips to help you turn those close matches into victories:

1. Analyse Your Opponent: Even during the warm-up or the first few points, try to identify your opponent’s weaknesses and strengths. Do they struggle with backhand shots? Are they uncomfortable with spin? Adjust your game to exploit their weaknesses while minimizing exposure to their strengths.

2. Serve Smartly: Use a variety of serves to keep your opponent guessing and to force weak returns that you can capitalise on. Pay attention to which serves they struggle with and use those more frequently, especially in crucial points.

3. Stay Calm and Focused: Often, losing to less experienced players can be a mental block. Stay calm, focus on each point, and don’t rush your shots. Overconfidence can lead to unforced errors, so treat every opponent with respect and play your usual game.

4. Tactical Placement: Instead of always going for power shots, think about placement. Beginners or less experienced players might not have the best footwork, so placing the ball in difficult positions can yield easy points. Try to keep them moving and aim for the corners of the table.

5. Adapt During the Match: If something isn’t working, be prepared to change your tactics. This could mean switching from an aggressive to a more defensive play or vice versa. The ability to adapt is crucial in turning the tide in your favour.

6. Practice Pressure Situations: In training, simulate match conditions where you are under pressure (e.g., playing points where you start with a score disadvantage). This can help improve your confidence and performance in crucial game moments. 

7. Reflect on Your Games: After each match, win or lose, think about what worked well and what didn’t. This reflection will help you learn and adapt for future matches. By focusing more on these tactical and psychological aspects, you'll find yourself better equipped to handle matches against any level of opponent. Keep practising, and keep your head in the game, Jim.