Play against close to table players

Al Unknown

Last updated on 18-Aug-2008 02:40:16 PM

I always lose to people who play close to the table, they seem to return every shot I make with minimal effort until I miss and I look silly. Any suggestion that I can improve my game against these type of players? thanks

and Alois Rosario said...

The trick against these typs of players is to vary the speed. A lot of the close to the table players use the speed you generate and will outplace you. They sometimes do not like it if you spin the ball slower and then play fast. Also do not give them too many angles to work with as they use placement well usually.

Try playing one slow topspin followed by one fast topspin when you are in the right position.Do not give them too much pace to work with.

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Comments on this question

Ji-Soo Woo commented...

on the 11-Aug-2008 12:34:37 PM

For me, I divide this style into two subgroups: blockers and crowders. Blockers tend to be a bit more passive and block balls a little past the end of the table. Crowders are players who try to block the ball as soon as they bounce, and force you to scramble by giving you sharp angles. In the past, I used to be able to beat blockers easily by just doing massive topspin slow loops. However, these days I have a lot of problem against them (especially crowders). I don't know whether it's because my topspin loops are less spinny than before, or whether the caliber of my competition is higher (or both, as is likely). One thing I've noticed is that crowders like to tempt you into hitting crosscourt at an angle...because they love angles and can usually out-angle you. And because they are so close to the table, they have less distance to cover than you do (especially if you are like me and tend to back up a bit). I find I have much more success therefore hitting balls deep and down the middle (or to the backhand sometimes) at various speeds

niel Unknown commented...

on the 16-Aug-2008 02:31:24 PM

what i do is i play the ball long and fast because theyre standing so close they dont have enough time to move back.

Alex Unknown commented...

on the 18-Aug-2008 10:13:55 AM

with an opponent that stands close to the table try and hit the ball to his/her forehand armpit this causes the player to try and tuck thier arm and makes it hard to return

Ji-Soo Woo commented...

on the 18-Aug-2008 02:40:16 PM

niel, the problem with hitting the ball fast to blockers/crowders of course is that they normally enjoy pace. And if you hit it hard to them, it will probably come back just as fast. So hitting fast can be effective sometimes but you have to use it with caution.

Alex, I agree about hitting it to the armpit. That's why hitting it long to the middle is so effective. It reduces the angle for the opponent and also is in their indecision zone between forehand and backhand.