Playing with a hard bat
Strategy
craig beuttler Asked 5 years ago
Hi Alois,
I just want to thank you for your fast response and wonderful advice and video. I do have one more question. Do you have any videos or advice on playing true hardbat? I love playing with a hardbat but there doesn't seem to be much instruction on strategy or stroke technique. Any input would be great.
Thanks again.
Craig
Alois Rosario Answered 5 years ago
Hi Craig,
We don't have one on using a hard bat.
As far as advice I guess the easiest thing to do with it is defend. You can use the hard bat well for defence and use the strokes of Forehand Chop and Backhand Chop.
If you want to attack with it then you can use it but think about really opening up the angle of the bat to do the strokes. The basic strokes that we show will still work but by opening up the angle you will be able to lift the ball. There is not as much margin for error as you would have with an inverted rubber as you can't generate mush topspin with the hard bat.
If you do use it you will find that others may find it difficult to play against it as it is out of the ordinary.
Recommended Video
Tactics Against Penhold Players
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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craig beuttler Posted 5 years ago
Thank you for the tip. I'll try to play with a more open bat angle.
Great. See how you get on.