Tactics in the professional environment

Hi alois, I can't help but wonder what kind of tactics do the pros look for when playing against another pro? All of the pros are technically brilliant and have very good footwork and doesn't seem to have any glaring weak spots.

Hi Jasper,

You're spot on in observing that professional table tennis players are technically brilliant and appear to have no glaring weaknesses. That said, tactics still play a crucial role even at the highest levels of the sport. Here are a few key tactical considerations that professionals often focus on:

Each player has a preferred style (e.g., attacker, defender, counter-attacker) and specific strengths (e.g., powerful backhand, strong forehand loop, excellent at close-to-table play). A big part of professional table tennis is understanding how these styles and strengths match up against those of their opponents. For instance, an aggressive looper might plan different tactics against a defensive chopper compared to what they would use against another aggressive looper.

Service is perhaps the most strategic aspect of table tennis at all levels. Pros spend a lot of time perfecting their serves to ensure they are not only legal but also deceptive and varied. They aim to set up the point in their favor right from the start or at least prevent the opponent from launching a strong attack. Similarly, the return of serve is critically dissected to neutralize the server's advantage as much as possible.  Even thought he weakness may not be large it may still give the server or receiver a slight advantage which is enough for them to gain the ascendency in the rally.

Pros often look to exploit even the slightest inefficiencies in their opponent's movement or stroke play. This might involve playing quick, wide angles to stretch the opponent, targeting the crossover point (transition between backhand and forehand), or identifying and exploiting less confident strokes. They also pay attention to establishing patterns (e.g., playing several shots to one side before quickly switching to the other) to create openings.

High-level players are extremely adaptable. They have to read the game in real-time and adjust their strategies based on the effectiveness of current tactics, changes in the opponent’s play, or even external factors like playing conditions.

At the professional level, the mental game becomes as important as physical skill. Players use tactics that may disturb the opponent’s mental game or help them maintain their own focus and composure. This can include varying the pace of the game, appearing unfazed by setbacks, or employing body language and small psychological edges that test the opponent’s focus.

Lastly, maintaining a high level of consistency and preparing for long rallies or matches is a tactic in itself. The ability to consistently execute under pressure, match after match, is a key differentiator at the pro level. Each match is a complex interplay of these and other tactics, with players continuously learning and adapting — which is what makes professional table tennis so fascinating to watch!