good coaching vs. experience and counter sidespin loop

do you think if a newcomer to the game gets good coaching regularly that they could in a year or two overcome players that have a lot of years' experience in local league matches but not had a lot of coaching? does experience in matchplay really have more value than a lot of structured training which doesnt have the pressure of a match? 

also what do you think is the easiest way to counter against a very spinny sidespin-topspin stroke that is curving a lot in the air and after the bounce? thanks.

Hi Andrew,

Interesting questions.  I think to reach the highest possible level is important to have the basics correct first.

How quickly the correct technique will overcome the experience of matchplay will depend on the abilities of each player involved.  I think that players with abilities to vary the amount of spin and placement on the ball will be able to overcome new players for quite a few years.

Match play is an essential part of a player's development.  Learning how to play matches is vital.  If you have perfect technique and no knowledge of when to use your strokes or tactics you will find it hard to succeed in matches, especially against wily older players.

To counter a sidespin tospin you need a bit of experience in adjusting your bat angle.  You need to be able to adjust the sideways angle of your bat to counter the spin.  I find it is also important to have a relaxed wrist and put a bit of your own sidespin onthe ball.

If the ball is curving away from you coming around the outside of the ball again is easiest.  When the ball is curving in to you I find coming around the inside of the ball easiest.