To Push or flick of a short backspin ball

Table Tennis Match Strategy

Last updated 11 years ago

Grenville Pereira

Grenville Pereira Asked 11 years ago

Hi Alois / Jeff

Often I am in a dilemma whether to push or to flick the short ball. If I am successful in flicking I see that almost always I am at an advantage . Either I get the point immediately as the opponent has not expected the flick or I am in an attacking position and can easily attack furthur returns. However the issue is many a time when I flick the backspin ball it goes into the net and still worse on my backhand side ( i.e the backhand flick ) however I am comfortable with the push and would not face problems , like the flick.

In a rally how does one make the decision whether to push or to flick , if it is a ball with backspin . Is it the height of the ball above the net or is that that you were well prepared an are in good position to make the correct stroke ?

I really wanted to make this decision correctly as I see that when attacking the ball using the flick, its like I am successfull say 2 out of 4 times , so it evens out in terms of winning points.

Thanks

Grenville


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Grenville,

You need to play each of these balls as they come.  A lot will depend on the opponent you are playing.  Some players will prefer you to flick and others will prefer you to short push.  I know I used to hate players flicking the ball but if they short pushed I would be comfortable.

The height of the ball will also be a factor.  If the ball is really low and with heavy backspin then it is safer to short push.  The odds would be against you making an effective flick.  If however the ball is higher without much spin then you can think about flicking it.

Just see with each match and each ball which will be more effective.


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Grenville Pereira

Grenville Pereira Posted 11 years ago

Hi Alois

   Thanks for your valuable inputs. I guess my mindset sometimes when playing is to go all out and try to attack every ball , instead of taking the ball as it comes , will definately cause me to lose many points in a match. I think thats what happened when i tried to flick most of the balls.

   Also as you mentioned , to check what the opponent does not prefer or expect is what needs to be done. As i tend to push most of the short balls , a flick or two may take them by surprise however I would need to evaluate the ball correctly before making the shot.

Regards

Grenville



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