How to play against a fisher

Andrea Russo Asked 1 week ago

Hi Alois and Jeff, 

I'd like to receive some tips to try to beat a player who owns a very unusual style that really puts me and all the players within my group in trouble. 

I've been playing tennis table at an amateur level for the last two years and my skills have grown significantly, as much as I'm able to challenge all the players of my same seniority, except for this guy, who has a tennis background and plays a very unusual but very effective (at least at our levels...) tennis table.

You usually have very long rallies with him, he makes very little mistakes, rarely attacks and once his opponent accelerates, he uses his trademark: heavy topspin/sidespin lobs from backcourt, both forehand and backhand, he's able to return without batting an eye even multiple smashes from the opponent, who eventually makes a mistake. Every point you win, it comes after an exhausting rally and most of the points you lose are not from a winning shot from his side but from a mistake from yours.

When the game is over (and you've lost, often without even winning a set...), you leave the table with the bitter and annoying sensation that he has won more thanks to my mistakes than to his skills. Of course this is not the case, because the way he plays forces you to make mistakes! 

Can you help to find the right key to undermine this nasty game plot?

Thanks a lot for your help! 

Andrea

Alois Rosario Answered 3 days ago

Hi Andrea,

Thanks for your thoughtful message – you've described this type of opponent perfectly. These defensive, spin-heavy lobbers with tennis instincts can be extremely frustrating, especially when they force you to lose the point. You're absolutely right: their strength lies in consistency, variation, and their ability to outlast and unnerve opponents.

Here are some key strategies to tackle this style effectively:

1. Don’t Rush the Finish

The biggest trap is trying to end the point too early. These players want you to go for the big smash before you’re in position. Be patient, build the rally, and only go for winners when you’re balanced, close enough, and the ball is high enough.

Instead of trying to end the point in one or two smashes, aim for progressive pressure:

• Smash to corners, then follow up with a shot to the middle

• Mix in soft drops or roll the ball short after one or two powerful shots

• Occasionally, slow it down to upset his rhythm

2. Target the Body

Rather than always aiming wide, try to place your attacking shots directly into his playing elbow or body. It’s much harder to lob effectively from an awkward position.

3. Vary Your Attack

He thrives on repetition and rhythm. So mix up:

• Speed: alternate fast smashes with controlled topspins or flat hits

• Spin: throw in some no-spin attacks or sidespin rolls

• Placement: don’t always aim for corners; try short balls, body shots, or sudden wide angles

4. Approach with Drop Shots

If he’s playing well off the table, don’t just feed him balls to lob back. After a few smashes, consider a soft, short drop. Bring him in, then attack the next shot. He may not be as comfortable close to the table.

5. Work on Your Smash and Recovery

Practice smashing with consistency, even 4–5 shots in a row. Then focus on recovery—being ready quickly after each shot. Fatigue and positioning often cause the mistakes against lobbers, not technique alone.

6. Watch Your Footwork

Footwork is everything against lobbers. The better your balance and positioning, the less likely you are to miss even after 3 or 4 smashes. Make sure you are stepping back after each smash so that you give yourself time to play the next smash.