Strategy
I am a defender so when I am deep back in my backhand and play a chop my opponent attacks on my forehand so I need to make a run for it, when i get to the ball I would play a very fast and a deep chop but my opponent just plays it short and i need to run for it so is it the right thing to play a fast and deep chop or else I should play a normal chop allowing him to attack and when i run in for the short ball what is the stroke I should play?
Hi Rutvik,
The life of the defender does involve a lot of moving.
It is better to keep the ball deep on your opponents side. If you do force them to push then you can come is and make an attack or keep the ball deep again. If you keep the ball deep, it is hard for them to get it really short on your side. If you play it shorter it will actually make it easier for them to play a short ball and have you running even further up to the table.
When playing penhold players it is important to remember to first analyse your opponent as you would if they used any grip. What are their strengths and weaknesses? A common weakness of penhold players is their forehand block especially against a slow spinny topspin. Their backhand may be a weakness if they use the traditional style, or you may wish to explore the crossover point if they are using the reverse penhold backhand.
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