can-you-anticipate-an-opponent's response?
Nomad asked 4 years ago
Hi Tom and Dan
While playing against a robot is a great way to develop your game it lacks the variation you have against a human opponent.
Do you have any advice on how you might antIcipate an opponent’s reply to a heavy topspin through body movement or preparatory stroke action. For example can you tell whether a return might go down the line or across the table?
As you only have a fraction of a second to respond to a counter return any advance notice could help to get in position for the next ball.
Stepping back slightly from the table may give extra time to get in position but I think it might also take away some of the initiative gained.
As both of you have a good deal of experience at the highest level I wondered if you had any advice on this.
Alex
Dan Academy Coach answered 4 years ago
Hey Alex, very true with the robot that’s one of the downsides that you don’t get to practice the anticipation and variation. There are a few key signs to look out for when trying to pick up information on direction. The first one is their body position, you can normally see when someone is going to play down the line as they have tonopen thier body more to get more side on to the table slightly. The other key one is really focusing on their wrist and bat angle, which can really help see the direction earlier and give yourself more time.
As you said you don’t really want to step back as you will lose some of the initiative you gained from the first topspin. Lastly I think you should think about the angles that you have created from your own shot. For example if you play wide to the opponents forehand it is much more likely that they will play back cross court as the angle to play down the line is very difficult. So thinking about the most likely areas they will play after your win shot direction can really help to!
NomadThanks Dan
Good sound advice.
I will try to look out for the signs you mentioned.
