tactical-play-against-a-pimple-bat-player
Nomad asked 3 years ago
Hi Dan / Tom
I have a fairly consistent topspin stroke on both forehand and backhand so against an opponent who played with reverse rubber on the forehand and short pimples on the other is one of my most frustrating style of opponent. In a recent game, this type of player kept close to the table and took the ball very early. If I played a heavy topspin which landed half long on his side he blocked and it came floating back only half way up on my side with little or no spin making it difficult to continue a consistent attack. I had to resort to a push to keep the rally going. He also had a strong forehand and when I played a slower topspin stroke to his pimples (on his backhand) close to the end of the table, he could run round his backhand to play a strong drive or smash. He could also defend well with his pimples when forced back from the table. I eventually had to use less spin and speed so I could use more variety in the placement and depth of my returns to his forehand then backhand side of the table to hope for a loose ball.
I may need to adopt different tactics or even change my strokes to deal with this type of opponent! For example, I found that it was difficult to produce a strong return on my backhand from a floated ball which had been returned from my topspin, especially in a fast rally.
Could you produce a video to simulate this style of play with possible startegies to overcome this type of player?
Regards
Alex
Dan Academy Coach answered 3 years ago
Hey Alex,
Those type of pimple players can be hard to play for sure. It sounds like you tried to do the right things and change your game to adapt to the style he had. Of course its difficult though and to stop them attacking isn’t always easy. Usually against this type of player I try to really mix up the placement and try to play heavy spin into the forehand side as I’m sure he won’t be as comfortable blocking with the smooth rubber. Also trying a long fast flat serve to the pimples to try and get a weak return and attack the next ball with spin can be useful.
But yes we will look to make a video on this type of style when possible. We have been meaning to add more pimples videos and tactics against them to the Academy for a while so we will try to get some filmed soon! Dan 🙂
NomadHi Dan
Just an update on my last post re the tactics against short pimples…
I played this same opponent yesterday and slowed the game down, changing speed and power, with long and short balls. I also varied direction from both my backhand and forehand with flatter drives with little or no spin. This seemed to work and didn’t give him the same opportunity to settle down and use his strong forehand attack with normal rubber. Out of 8 games I won 7.
Thanks again for the advice.
Alex
