Last updated on 11-Mar-2011 10:09:16 AM
Hi, Alois
First I want to thank you for your advice on my previous questions, my topspin and backhand have improved a lot. I've learned most of the strokes and developed more of a attacking game. But my favorite player in Joo Se Hyuk and i want to model my game after him and ironically the chop is my weakest shot. Any advice on improving it, especially my backhand chop, I still want to attack with my forehand.
Also could you share some defensive tactics on serving and receiving. I see Joo often pushing the serve long so he can get in a chopping position. Is that a good tactic? I haven't really seen any long serves by the pros so should I keep using topspin there?
Finally I've been using a cheap pre-made bat so far and it's starting to lose grip so I was wondering if you had any suggestions for a new bat with which I could develop my defense? Also I realize you say equipment is so not key, but could you offer any explanation of the speed, spin, control characteristics on the bats and what should I look for?
Sorry I got a bit carried away, hope it isn't too long.
Hi Ziga,
To improve your chopping you need to first ensure that your technique is correct and then do lots and lots of hours. Chopping is actually more difficult to get correct because it involves a lot of subtle variations. This means that you have to have faced a lot of balls to get the practice against all of those variations. That is why defenders tend to mature a little later than attackers.
As far as tactics for defense, the most important thing is to work out what your opponent's strengths are.
If they have a strong attack then you should keep the ball in a position that is difficult for them to attack. If you feel confident against their attack, then you can open the game up so that they are playing a topspin and you are playing your defensive chopping.
As far as equipment is concerned, try using a long pimple rubber on your backhand like Joo Se Hyuk. That gives you good control when they topspin to you and gives them a bit of spin back as well. I would use a control rubber on your forehand to start with. Something like Mark V would be OK or any slower rubber that you can find.
Hope this all helps.
If you would like to become a defender especially someone like Joo Se Hyuk, I would urge you to start playing with a long pimpled rubber like Alois recommended. It takes quite a while to play comfortably with it but you will eventually find that it is very easy to chop with and might even frustrate your opponent with the spin that comes back.
