Finding your own playing style
Table Tennis Match Strategy
Last updated 8 years ago
Sergio Martinez Asked 8 years ago
I think I am starting to find my own playing style. I have seen in other posts that you say to focus more on attacking or more on defense, but never to try to balance out both. The more I play and train with my friend the more I find myself attacking more. On the other hand, I am wondering what to do if I come up against a player that also likes to attack. I have been seeing videos of Jan Ove Walnder, and I really like how he blocks. Would it be detrimental to an attacking style to also learn how to block well? If I come up against another player who likes to attack I want to be prepared to do something. Waldner knew how and when to attack and I really like that.
With that in mind, any other advice you could also give me or others on finding your own playing style?
Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago
Hi Sergio,
Good observations.
I think one of the things that made not only Waldner but a lot of the Swedish players of their great era so good was their ability to block or defend. I think it is an important stroke to learn.
The only other thing is that you should make the attack when you have the opportunity but don’t be afraid if your opponent attack first.
I wonder if others have thoughts on this interesting area of playing styles.
Thoughts on this question
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Sergio Martinez Posted 8 years ago
Well one good thing is that my training partner has a more defensive style. It's good practice because I can work on my forehand topspin all day while he gets good practice at defending those attacks. It's funny because we both watch you and Jeff's videos and while practicing and trying to figure out our strokes we'll comment "Now you're beginning to look more like those videos!"
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 8 years ago
Haha, nice one Sergio...
Jean Balthazar Posted 8 years ago
You can certainly be a dominantly attacking player, like most of the top guys nowadays are. But you'll notice that those top attackers also all can block or even, when they're forced to, they are very good at the balloon defence (D. Ovtcharov, J-M. Saive, V. Samsonov, M. Freitas...) At a certain level, you cannot count anymore on always being the first to attack, and just sacrificing all the points where you will not be able to take the initiative is not a viable option. Which doesn't mean you have to become an ace chopper either, but generally, good players develop such a very good touch and reading of the ball that they can do all sorts of shots when they have to.
Ilia Minkin Posted 8 years ago
>Would it be detrimental to an attacking style to also learn how to block well?
I think that blocking is the most important stroke ever. Why? Because, if you can block well, you can be a good training partner. And if you're a good training partner, better players will be eager to practice with you, so you will have higher quality practice and be able to improve fast.
P.S. Where is the "Ask the coach" show? :)
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 8 years ago
The Ask the Coach Show is on holiday at the moment… We will try to do some shows when we can.