Hi guys, haven't posted a while.
I played my third pennant today.
...
https://youtu.be/1WO5arnRYIg
Si-hing,
1st, thank you for posting a video of your match. Not many people have the courage to do that and ask for advice and be receptive to the advice. I watched your whole heartbreaking match.
2nd, I am not qualified as the others on technical aspects who have given you excellent advice already as I still have inconsistent skills/techniques.
Will make some general comments which I hope may help you:
1. Ways to win points
A. Your attacks and/or returns win points
B. Your opponent loses points from their failed attacks/serves or not being able to return your shot
C. Unretured net/edge balls
To win a game/set, you need to reach 11 points sooner than your opponent. Unless you are a defensive player, most players will attack to win the point. Know what to expect generally from each of your serves.
It's no secret that I am a smasher more than a looper, so when i serve side-top i generally expect to smash on 3rd ball if it's popped up. You are more of a looper than me and you serve mostly down/side-down so get ready to loop the 3rd ball. There were at least 2 backhand serves you had and her return was to your FH and you didn't loop them.
Do not let your Ego get you thinking I must make a highlight-worthy attack or a satisfying attack. Return the ball that is most advantageous to you and the most vulnerable for your opponent. Easy for me to say, and hard to do sometimes in the heat of a match. [EDIT: sometimes to win a point, you only need direct the ball to where your opponent is not ... if they are a few feet away from the table, drop shot ... if they are on their extreme BH side, return the ball to their FH. It's not necessary to always attack with your best/favorite attack. It's about finding ways to win the point. In Judo, there is a saying, and by extension other martial arts have this saying too ... "Maximum efficiency, minimum effort." No need to expend too much energy on your attacks if a simple block or drop shot will do.]
She couldn't handle your heavy slow topspin loops. You do this well. I've seen you do this many times in your other videos. You do it much better than me! This should be one of your staple attacks, that is, if it works on your opponent, this should be your primary go-to attack.
2. Opponent's skill level
If i think my opponent's skill level is below mine, i will generally attack when I serve, and play stable/steady on their serves and let them make mistakes. Not an exciting way to win a point by letting your opponent "hang themselves", but you should win the point. And the name of the game, at least in tournament play, is to win.
She lost a few points on missed serves. Think it was the 4th game, she missed both her serves, then you served, blocked her attack but missed her followup to lose the game. Let your opponent hang themselves. [EDIT: This game went her way, but if you rewatch your match, she seems to miss her serve and give your free points, at least 3 points a game. It's like she says, ok, I'll spot you 3 points. I have mentioned that I played Mark Berg on this thread a few times. Invariably I lose. The one comment he made to me after our matches that stuck in my mind: "You missed your serve at least once a game. You are not at a level to be giving me free points." Some games were close wins for him ... what if I didn't miss my serves? So if you see your opponent giving you free points by missing their serve at least once a game, that suggests perhaps they are nervous, not that skilled, etc ... play it safe/stable when they serve, but when you serve, you should be confident in your attacks.]
3. Wanting to win
Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves expecting or desiring the "W". Already thinking of winning the match without playing.
Be in the moment. Only think of one point at a time. Don't think of this game or the match. Focus winning each point as you are about to play the point. Don't focus on winning the game or the match. Be in the moment. Think only of that one point you are playing. It's like American football. Don't think of the touchdown ... think only of gaining at least 10 yds for the first down. Continue the drive downfield thinking only of getting 10 yds. [EDIT: of course, sometimes you see the quarterback throw a long pass into the endzone, but they do that once in awhile. They are looking to move the ball 10 yds in 4 downs/chances.]
Everyone wants to win. Why play a game and keep score? Why give out trophies? Because every player wants to win. Do not add extra pressure on yourself of thinking "I must win!" Just flow and play your game, make adjustments. Be in the moment and only think of how to win that one point you both are contesting to gain.
I am rambling at this point. Sorry. Truly HTH!
~Si-dai