Defensive Shot selection
Table Tennis General
Last updated 14 years ago
Andrew T Asked 14 years ago
Hi Alois and Jeff,
I was just going through your videos for the umpteenth time and I also saw some posts about a defensive style. I was wondering if you could talk about when it is better/more appropriate to use a chop versus a lob or a long range loop. In what positions should you be; in what positions your opponent should be; and some general strategy to getting back to the table if you get pushed away. I have an all-around inverted rubber bat (just for reference).
Thanks,
Andrew T
Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago
Hi Andrew,
In order I think the shot selection should go something like loop, chop, lob.
The loop if you can get a handle on it is an attacking stroke and difficult for your opponent to counter even when you are away from the table. The chop is my next choice because you can use variation of spin and by keeping the ball low make a difficult ball for you roppoenent to return. If they play a tentative stroke it will give you a chance to step in and play an attacking storke of the next ball.
The advantage of the lob is that it gives you a bit more time to position yourself but it is usually a relatively simple stroke for your opponent to deal with.
As a very rough guide I would think that is you make a topspin from away from the table you may be a 40% chance of winning, with a chop about 30% and with a lob about 10%. Of course these are really general guidelines.
Another thing to consider is that you should be trying to force your way back into the point when you are in a defensive position. Often getting closer to the table can be better to cut off the angle of your opponent. Too often I see players content to just stay back and put the ball back on the table. Look to play the most aggressive stroke you can. Aggressive doesn't always mean fast, it can be more spin, lower and better placed.
If yo uthink about when you are in the reverse position you will feel comfortable if the defender is content to sit back and just get the ball back. you would feel much omre threatened if they were trying to push forward or play an aggressive ball.
I hope this all helps.
Thoughts on this question
Become a free member to post a comment about this question.
Andrew T Posted 14 years ago
Thanks Alois,
That all definitely helps. One thing that I was interested in that you alluded to but didn\'t describe in detail was how exactly to get back to the table. Should I hit progressively harder? A flat ball from distance would get more pace but doesn\'t seem to have good margin. How would I approach getting more pace if this is what I should do? More spin with higher throw? Should I spread them as I come in or hit it at the elbow?
Thanks in advance and for the advice,
Andrew
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 14 years ago
Dave McIntosh Unknown Posted 14 years ago
Hi Jeff & Alois
I have just played your excellent DVD PingSkills coaching Lesson Vol 2 items 3 forehand smash & 4 Lob against smash. When I play against a good lob player it’s a bit like the DVD, I keep smashing and the ball keeps coming back and around about the fifth or sixth return I usually lose the point. So my average against the lob is about 20%, not a very good return for all the effort. As I am only 5ft 6 inches tall the ball does not have to get very high before I am reaching up for it. Can you suggest a better tactical approach against the lob.
Best Regards
Dave McIntosh
Mat Unknown Posted 14 years ago
Andrew T Posted 14 years ago