Playing left handers

Erwin Abellaneda Asked 14 years ago

I really get messed up when playing with Lefties. Could you give me a strategy or something for me not to get messed up

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Erwin,

Being one myself I don't know whether I should divulge the secrets!

Th real issue with playing against left handers is that you don't play against as many as right handers.  Ideally if you can find a left handed practice partner you will benefit.

Some other tips, you should try to use your backhand and go wide to their forehand.  This can often expose a weakness.  There are a few generalisations that they often don't have as strong backhands and things like that but it is like playing any player.  Firstly you need to work out what their area of weakness and strength and then work a game plan from there. 

Think about which side they like to attack with and which side they like to block with.  Which side they prefer to return different serves with and also where they prefer the return of serve.

All these answers will go towards making up your profile of your tactics.  The PingSkills Vault is a useful tool that you can use to record this sort of information as well.  That way you will have a record of what to do against all your opponents, not just the left handers.