(By Larry Hodges)
We’ve all had those matches where the opponent was just quicker, and we felt rushed in every rally. So, what can you do in such a match? Here are some tips.
1. Observe opponent’s stroke so you can see as early as possible where his shot is going.
2. Shorten your strokes.
3. Take half a step back. That’s not so far that you’ve given up the table, but it gives you that extra split second needed to react.
4. Cover the middle with the backhand.
5. Play more backhand if you are at the table, more forehand if you are off the table.
6. Put the ball in the middle of the table to cut off extreme angles.
7. Keep the ball deep.
8. Slow play down with soft, deep topspins (depth is again key).
9. Play more backspin.
10. Serve and receive long.
11. Use opponent’s own speed against him by simply rebounding his shots back with your racket – be a backboard.
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