Match Strategy when the game is close
Table Tennis Match Strategy
Last updated 11 years ago
Grenville Pereira Asked 11 years ago
Hi Alois
I wanted to know how to approach the game when the opponent is close to victory for example 8-10. He is a point away from victory. In games with the same opponent when i am careful from the start and get the rhythm going I am able to comfortably win the match. However sometimes right from the start when I do not get the lead I end up losing unnecessary points and some how end up in a score like 7-10 or 8-10 where now I am really trying to play carefully but end up eventually making a mistake and losing the match.
In a situtaion where the competition is tight or i am not able to get things right , do I take frequent breaks and try and analyze the match on the spot or do i try to play some rallies defensively till I get my rhythm back . Can you please give your advise on this.
Thanks
Grenville
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Grenville,
I think if you start to find yourself in those situations early in the game, take your time and try to get your rhythm back. There is a fine line between playing too carefully and playing controlled. Focus on getting more balls on the table and get your confidence back.
In the final stages make sure you give your opponent the opportunity to make a mistake. They may be getting a bit nervous so put the ball on the table and make them hit the winner.
Thoughts on this question
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Ji-Soo Woo Posted 11 years ago
That reminds me of the World Championship in Paris when Schlager beat Wang Liqin in a classic contest. In one set, Wang Liqin had something like 4 match points at 10-6 and Schlager came back to steal the set. When asked about it afterwards, Schlager said, he had no pressure, it was Wang Liqin who had all the pressure because he had to win that one more point. I think this kind of attitude is a good one to have when facing match points. In chess (which table tennis is often compared to), there is an expression "the hardest game to win is a won game".
Grenville Pereira Posted 11 years ago
Hi Alois
Thanks for the advice . Yes frankly speaking in the practice matches I played recently when I was close to the game point or the opponent , I used a controlled approach in my pushes or blocks . I noticed my hand reacting to the speed of the ball and was happy with my reflexes in these situations. I took time off when i lost say 2 points in a row which definately helped me get my rythm back. I am happy with the results I see so far .Will continue to keep this in mind for my future games.
Hi Ji-Soo
Thanks for the valuable information as well.
-Grenville
Antonio Marquez Posted 11 years ago
yeah