(By Larry Hodges)
- Establish your game. For example, if you have a strong third-ball attack, such as short backspin serves followed by a loop, then do that early on. That way you’ll get used to your opponent’s returns. For example, against that backspin serve, does he predictably push long and let you loop? Or does he flip it or push short? If necessary, change your serving pattern to get better balls to attack, perhaps by serving lower, with more spin, more variation, different placement, and/or different depth. Do the same with the rest of your game. For example, if you do a lot of backhand counter-hitting, then establish that early so you’re comfortable against this opponent.
- Adjust to opponent’s game. There are two players at the table, and so you also have to adjust to the opponent. If you want your opponent to push your serve back long so you can attack, but he stubbornly attacks your serve or pushes it short, then you have to make adjustments. For example, you might fake backspin and serve no-spin, and watch him pop the ball up slightly. Be willing to change your serving game. The same is true of the rest of your opponent’s game – everyone has something you have to adjust to. The more you play, the more you learn about how to make those adjustments.
- Find a way to win. That means finding the best tactical matchup of your game versus the opponent’s. This means taking best of 1 and 2 above and finding a few simple tactics that win, and then thump your opponent with them.
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