How to defeat a higher ranking player
mithun100 asked 5 years ago
I am participating in unsanctioned TT tournament on this Saturday. I will play 1000 and 1200. I have played with one of the guy earlier, he is playin in 1200. He (penhold player) will be around 1600 as per his playing capabilities. I have played with him and lost badly in past. Since this unsanctioned tournament there is no way to sandbagging for his case.
Is there any tactics which I can apply to change the game in my favor as technique wise he is far better than me?
Dan Academy Coach answered 5 years ago
Hi Mithun,
You have mentioned he is a penhold player, so you want to play to the angles, get him moving. Penhold players like the ball in the middle of the table so they can attack strong with the forehand. Question, which grip is he using? The reverse penhold grip or the traditional penhold grip?
mithun100Hi Dan,
I am not sure how to know about it by looking at the grip. What tactics I should I go for if it is traditional penhold grip vs penhold grip and how can i know that by looking at it penhold?
Thanks,
Mithun
DanHi Mithun,
No worries there are two types of grips:
– Traditional Pen Grip
– Reverse Pen Grip
The traditional pen grip means the player cannot play a backhand topspin, which means you can pressure your shots into the backhand side. If the opponent is using the reverse pen grip then you want to treat them like a normal shakehand grip player really.
If your playing the traditional pen grip, you want to mix up your shots often, find the opponents backhand and then switch wide to their forehand. Keep you shots low and stay up to the table pressuring. Some penhold players often block well with the backhand so you need to be careful they are not controlling the table with their backhand so mix up your shots. I also find serving to the middle of the table works well against penhold players and also long fast 🙂
Remember a key tactic is playing into the elbow (crossover) of your opponent.
Hope this helps 🙂
