Stopping an attacker

anthony pham Asked 13 years ago

HI

can  i ask how do i play against a attacking player that hits the ball very fast including balls that are close to the net and are low cause he just flicks it up.

thank you

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Anthony,

The key is to make it is as difficult as possible for him to make these shots.

Sometimes it take a very subtle change to get a large difference in the return.  Everyone has a spot or two that they don't like.  You say he likes the ball close to the net.  As strange as it sounds, playing the ball a little longer may be better because he will have to hit the ball from further away from the net.  It may be a position that he likes less than the short ball.  Also experiment with different types of spin.  The first choice would be backspin but if you put some topspin or no spin or sidespin it may effect his stroke as well.

It is always a matter of finding the best position to play to.  Experimentation is the best way to find out.