The More Crucial the Moment, the Less Stable the Backhand?
This is a brand-new, technique-focused column in a question-and-answer format. The mystery figures answering are two former national team members, both now veteran coaches. So the “Reaching the Summit” column was born.
For average players, is the backhand less accurate the more crucial the moment?
Actually, it is normal for the backhand to be more stable than the forehand. If you feel it is not stable enough, it must be because you usually practise the forehand more than the backhand, so you feel the backhand is less stable. Purely by stroke and framework, the backhand is more stable than the forehand, just without the forehand’s power and quality. From defense it is clear. When the opponent loops you, is your first reaction to defend with the forehand or backhand? 99% use the backhand. Observe carefully — whether in practice or matches, especially pros, the first choice is to defend with the backhand.
How to handle short-pips players?
What are short pips’ traits? Fast speed, big power. The way to restrain “fast” is creating spin. To get on the offensive conveniently, especially among amateurs, the opponent likes to serve not-very-spinny long balls. When you receive, you can likewise add spin and angle. The spinnier the ball, the lower the loop arc, the better the effect. Then the opponent feels uncomfortable, struggling to fire and drive, only defending, and then your chance comes.
How to defend an opponent with strong continuous looping?
Find methods in angle and rhythm variation. Against good continuity, you must open the angles, creating difficulty for the opponent, so he cannot produce quality. If you purely defend too close to the table, you are passive, always feeling pinned. The ball you send has low quality, and his return surely has high quality. Have the feel of the body meeting the ball from back to front, with a “working distance,” so your arm can relax and the center can brace forward. If your defense has problems, it is generally these factors: first, angle; second, unclear judgment of the ball’s length; third, unclear judgment of the ball’s height; fourth, your bat-draw problem. Most importantly, when defending, the mindset must not panic. For quick-drive or counter-loop, the instant the opponent releases, you should judge the angle, then move with the feet or the body’s center to find the ball. If the feet are not in place, you easily miss. When counter-looping, first aim at the incoming ball with the feet, body a bit back so the distance and position are just right to make the counter-loop stroke.