Long Pips 'Modern Style'

Hi Alois,

I don't know if this questions has been asked already.

I have trouble playing against opponents who play long pips and return the ball always short, so that I can't attack. This is not the classic chopper who stands far from the table but very close and tries to return all balls with the backhand (long pips) short all over the table.

Against a chopper I try to play a long service (w/o spin or backspin) and a 3rd ball attack. For the 'close-to-the-table' opponent that does not work out and I don't have a proper strategy.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Kind regards,

Matthias

Hi Matthias,

This is an interesting style to play against and a good challenge.

Try to get a good backspin ball into the long pimples,  This will give you a topspin ball back that can be attacked.

Try to keep the ball long on the other side of the table.  If you pay short they will be able to use the angles to outplace you as well.

Don't try to play too fast as they rely on your speed.  Don't use too much spin as they rely on your spin as well.

In short, play a simple game to them and you will get a simple ball back.  Keep your serves straight backspin or no spin.  The more spin you put on the serve the more you will get back.  If you put sidespin on the ball it will come back to you awkwardly.

Try to play against it as much as you can.  The more you play against that style the more comfortable you will become.