How to slow the game down

Dear Alois I still enjoy all the work that you and Geoff do for our wonderful game.

My style of play is staying close to the table and driving and blocking by taking the ball very early. This style is very effective with most players but....there are some who are faster than me and in that case I do not know what to do. As I get older this phenomenon seems to occur more often than the good old times when I was quick. My answer to this problem is to slow the game down. I have tried it with some degree of success but it does not always work. Can you please help me (and others with my predicament) to create a clear strategy that I can practise upon? Kind regards. Filippo

Hi FIlippo,

Nice to hear from you again.  It has now been 10 years since we met!

I think when the other player is quicker you are doing the right thing by slowing the game and the ball down.  The keys are with the serve and return of serve.

Serving short and low with backspin and forcing them to push the first ball is a good start.  I think then thinking a lot about placement and finding the awkward hitting positions for them, whether it is in their crossover point or wide to one side.

The other thing is to actually change pace and spin and upset their rhythm.  Nothing that a fast player likes more than the ball coming to them fast and with the same spin.  Sometimes a simple change of spin or pace will start to put some doubts in their minds.  That may be all that is required.

Finally also think about changing the rhythm of the match.  Take a little monger between some points or play quicker if you are confident and winning points.

Hope these help.