How do you play well in a restricted area?

Hi Alois,

I have a table in my basement I like to play recreationally with my friends, and sometimes professionally. The room isn't very big and smashes almost always end the point, since we can't back up far enough away to allow time to react.

Do you have any tips on how to return smashes in a restricted area?

Thanks,

Ryan

Hi Ryan,

I think the key is to stop the smashing.  It is really difficult to react to the ball moving that quickly from so close.

So work on keeping the ball low and see if you can generate some backspin on the ball as well.  This makes it just a little harder for them to play a strong stroke.