(By Larry Hodges)

If your opponent is quicker than you, than the last thing you want to do is let him rush you. If you put the ball short over the table, then your quick opponent will be able to hit very quickly at wide angles. So keep most shots deep against quick opponents to give yourself more time. (This is especially true against players who hit quick off the bounce with pips of any sort.)

At the same time, don’t be so intimidated by quicker players that you play everything deep, thereby being predictable. Deep balls are usually easier to attack then short balls, and if your quick opponent is attacking them effectively, then perhaps start some rallies with a short ball (short serve or short push) to throw him off and bring them over the table – and then go deep.

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.