Coping with a weak backhand opening

bertus bertus Asked 12 years ago

Hi coach!

Recently I had to compete at a much higher level (3th highest regional level). Where I barely got the opportunity to pivot around the backhand because the (long) push isn't performed much (1, max 2 times a rally). Opponents are very skillful and agressive attackers with backhand and forehand! As a result I often end up blocking their shots and trying to counterloop but I just ain't scoring as many points as the opponent does that way. >:[

- So what can be done to create an attacking opportunity for myself before opponent starts looping? 

- And when an opponent is attacking, what can be done to let him make errors or produce weak balls?

- I start to wonder, how useful is pivoting at this level anyway? Is a backhand opening a must have at this point? 

Regards,

Bertus

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Bertus,

This is great. You have just been introduced to and realised the next level of the game first hand.

This is something that I try to show players but it can take a long time for them to understand this concept.

You now have seen that it is important to gain the first attack and create the opportunities for yourself.

The first thing is to try to serve and return short, meaning the ball needs to bounce twice on your opponents side.  If this is too difficult on any ball then you can think about pushing or flicking the ball fast so that your opponent doesn't get an easy opportunity to attack at you.

Developing your backhand topspin against backspin will make things easier for you so that you don't need to pivot too much.  At the higher level you will get less time to pivot and make a strong forehand.