Defending

Table Tennis Discussion

Last updated 6 years ago

Tam Eastwood

Tam Eastwood Asked 6 years ago

Hi Alois, I've recently changed to long pimples on the backhand and inverted on the forehand. I know absolutely nothing about chopping and defensive play. So I was wondering what do gionis, filus and wang so all have in common in terms of strategy and backhand chopping technique?

Thanks Tam.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 6 years ago

Hi Tam,

Defensive play is probably a misnomer.  They are all very attacking players when they get the opportunity but their ability to retrieve the ball when attacked is amazing.

They all defend when the ball is attacked into their backhand and they are away from the table.  However, they are also looking to create the opportunity to attack by changing the spin and placement of their defensive backhand.  When they get their opponent to hit the ball slightly higher they will attack with their forehand mainly.

The first thing when learning to chop is to work on the defensive side of the stroke.  The ability to get the ball on the table consistently.  This adds pressure to your opponent to make a stronger shot to win the point.  Then work on your attacking ability.  This puts pressure on them to keep their attacks lower and doesn't allow them the margin of error with their pushing.

You would probably need to stay a bit closer to the table due to mobility.  Again take the ball earlier on the backhand but work on consistency.


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