Playing against dead chinese rubber
Match Strategy
Korey Wong Asked 7 years ago
I'm a penhold looper and am having trouble getting the ball over the net on my returns. My opponent often attacks, has good placement limiting the time I have to get to the ball. I'm having trouble generating enough pace on the ball which usually falls short of the net. Any advice on attacking against dead Chinese rubber? Korey
Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago
Hi Korey,
It sounds like you might need to open the angle of your racket slightly. When playing against dead rubber the ball will sometimes reverse in spin so the more topspin you put on your shot the more backspin comes back to you. Even if it doesn't reverse, it will come back very flat so it will feel like it has backspin. Therefore opening the angle of yoru racket or lifting the ball more will work.
Thoughts on this question
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Benzene Chiral Posted 7 years ago
It'll be good to train yourself to track the ball throughout so there's more reaction time.
I presume, since your opponent is using a dead rubber, that he or she is a hitter. Firstly, when your opponent strikes, open your racket angle and get the ball on the table, block if you need (don't get too upright on attacking every single ball). Then, attack next ball or when you're in a better position. Don't attack when you're not in a position to, or you'll end up hitting the ball into the net, or over the end of the table.
Benzene Chiral Posted 7 years ago
PS what I was referring to as of the block then attack is when your opponent sudden burst when defending.
Benzene Chiral Posted 7 years ago
Generating pace... I'm not sure how are your opponent's balls like...