How to counter opponent's left-right strategy

Kevin Winata Asked 12 years ago

Hi sir alois, sorry to ask again, this is my 3 question! Hahaha, because i am in a holiday, so i can spent time to table tennis (at home)

Some of my friends and especially my father, always use left-right strategy (i mind when i am in the left side, he push to the right side, so i go to the right side. Because i am stroking while running, i can't control my ball, the ball being just a defensive one, and the prob it goes to the middle of the table, where my opponent is standing, so my opponent easilly hit it back to the left side, then i run and make a defensive stroke again (in a hurry), if my stroke/push being uncontrolled and goes high, my opponent smash me)

What is the best way to counter it while i can't easily control the ball?

 I try to spin, but sometimes it doesn't effect to my opponent and just make the ball goes high

When i try to stroke faster (try to offensive) , my opponent still can receive it because he is at the best condition, and it just add the risk of my stroke out or hit the net

I have thought to lob it, but my father is a well smasher, i just can receive about 1 of 5 smashes. So i watch your video about backspin lob, but i can't make a well backspin, usually if i make a back spin, the ball doesn't does a backspin, side-spin, it just add the risk of out. Is it hard to do backspin with pen hold grip?

If there is anymore solution, which one is the best to train? Spin, offensive stroke/push, or backspin lob?

Who ever is it, Thank you for your attention!

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Kevin,

You need to work on your own footwork movement.  Try to stay more square on to the table so that you can move sideways faster.

Take a look at our lesson on Footwork Basics.

Then in the rally try to gain the first attack or good placement.  Then you may be able to start to move them around instead.