Defend or Attack
Table Tennis Match Strategy
Last updated 5 years ago
Joe Miller Asked 5 years ago
Hi Alois
I am a defensive chopper but I want to become a hitting attacker. How do I change my playing style?
I hope you can help?
Joe
Alois Rosario Answered 5 years ago
Hi Joe,
The first step is to develop confidence in your attacking strokes such as the forehand and backhand topspin. Then you need to start to implement them in a game situation. Do this slowly but persevere with it if this is what you really want to do.
In a while if you feel it is not as good for you, then you can always go back to playing as a defender.
Thoughts on this question
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D K Posted 5 years ago
Joe,just curious-what setup are you using?
Joe Miller Posted 5 years ago
What do you mean by setup ?
D K Posted 5 years ago
What rubbers+blade combination
Joe Miller Posted 5 years ago
I play with a ready customised bat of Amazon with Palio AK47 rubbers on each side and I have no idea what the blade is
D K Posted 5 years ago
Well..the name should be on the handle.
Palio AK47 are OFF rubbers....hmmph
Joe Miller Posted 5 years ago
They’re pretty good thanks
D K Posted 5 years ago
I am just surprised someone can defend well with off rubbers.
Though,if the blade is slow,should be powerful combo
Nigel C Posted 5 years ago
Sponge thickness will make a difference. Joe why change style that drastically, there are moderen defenders who defend until they get a chance to attack, but when they do it's hard for allround and attacking players to cope with. You can have best of both especially if you are already a good defender.
Joe Miller Posted 5 years ago
Thanks Nigel
D K Posted 5 years ago
Or,you can become a complete allrounder: attack or defend according to what your opponent does not like :D
Joe Miller Posted 5 years ago
I can’t choose !
Nigel C Posted 5 years ago
Joe, DK is right about being an all rounder but you don't have to choose.
Hitting attacker
All rounder
Modern defender
Defender
In any order that you like, you have plan A, plan B, plan C and plan D.
You are already a defender, so learn how to attack and then see which come most naturally and use that as plan A. After all you might not enjoy attacking as much as defending or you may love it. You will have to train your attacking shots, then try using them in practice matches, then finally in matches. It may take some perseverance as your current instinct is to defend. Just give it a go.
D K Posted 5 years ago
I agree with Nigel.
I am a defender,but if I find out the opponent cannot block,I can go into sharp (weak,btu sharp) close-range battle.
Joe Miller Posted 5 years ago
Sorry DK but I’m with nigel there
D K Posted 5 years ago
Joe
I am not sure what exactly you are reacting to now.
Mike Deubig Posted 5 years ago
Joe,
Expanding your playing options will make you better. Even if the attacker is a good blocker, when you change the play of the ball, you catch him by surprise as he was so used to your defending. You will score more points that way. Be selective with your attacks, don't try to attack too much, it will take time for you to know which balls are likely targets to attack.
Joe Miller Posted 5 years ago
Now I have three options.Thanks Mike. I will consider your option