How can I beat my friends
Match Strategy
Quentin Kwan Asked 9 years ago
Hi guys i wanted to know if there is any possible way to beat my friends that are not much better than me but always seem to beat me 3-0 or 3-1 it is quite frustrating as i know i can do it but just cannot find a way to beat them especially one of them who is left handed and has a short heavy pendulum serve that goes to my forehand please help thanks guys, also a side note I have short pimples on my backhand and normal rubber on my forehand :)
Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago
Hi Quentin,
Try to work out some simple things like, their strengths and weaknesses and then your strengths and weaknesses.
Once you do that, you can start to formulate a plan of what you can do to win points. The Vault is a really good tool to help you with this.
To return that left handers pendulum, focus on getting close to the ball. It will be curving away from you so then alter the angle of your racket to return the serve back onto the table.
Most importantly, keep working on your game and enjoying it.
Thoughts on this question
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Quentin Kwan Posted 9 years ago
Thanks ill be sure to keep that in mind next time i play them :)
Dieter Verhofstadt Posted 9 years ago
Hi
Can you get someone else to record your matches or make notes? Or would you be able to keep a mental note of
- the amount of unforced errors you make (vs your opponents)
- the amount of winners you make (vs your opponents)
If you are losing your matches because you make more unforced errors, which is the more likely scenario at the lower levels, you should reduce risk and increase safety. That is: less spin, less speed, less risky placements. Play easy serves, return opponent's serve merely to get it back on the table, place the 3rd or 4th ball on the table and don't try to make the point. Play diagonal shots to give you more room and apply the basic stroke.
You will offer more opportunities to your opponent to make winning shots, but in the long run they will be outweighed by the balance of unforced errors.
In the less likely event that you are losing the game on winning shots, you should add variation. Vary speed, spin and placement. Especially varying placement is a safe way to confuse your opponent.
I wish I could do all this myself instead of being caught up in the motions :)