Tactics

Dear Alois and Jeff

In a National tournament I recently played against a player with a very unusual combination: he had short pimples on the back hand and anti on the fore hand. He is a right handed player.

He attacked with the pimples and defended away from the table with the anti. It was not at all pleasant playing against him. What tactics should I use when I play him again?

Kind regards

Filippo

Hi Filippo,

It does sound like a tricky opponent.

If he was not hitting much with the forehand anti, you could play safely to that side and then wait for an opportunity to make your attack when you are ready.

Also think about serving the long backspin ball to the forehand and get the ball back to you with a little topspin that you can attack.

Often with these types of players with unusual combinations, it is a matter of allowing yourself a little time in the match to get used to the different pace or flight of the ball.