Training
It's clear from your videos that Alois and Jeff have master all the shots -- forehand and backhand blocks, topspins, loops, flips and chops. That's why you are world-class players. But for the club player, should we focus on the few shots we are strong at or try to master all the shots? In other words, is it better to master a few shots or be pretty good at all shots?
Hi Mark,
I think it is important to be proficient at a wide range of strokes. Certainly, you need to be able to counterhit, block, topspin, topspin against backspin, push and even chop.
If you don’t have one of these there will be a big gap in your technique that your opponent will be able to exploit.
Although attacking is the most popular style at the top level in Table Tennis, it is important to be able to defend well. If you choose to play a defensive style then you should be practicing these strokes all the time. If you play an attacking stroke then you should still try and find some time for these strokes. If you can win one extra point by defending well when pressured, it could make the difference between winning and losing.
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Ilia Minkin Posted 10 years ago
Is it a big deficiency to not have flicks?
Not really. I think a push or chop will suffice to start with. A flick is something that you can develop later.