says
Hi Brookerbig, thanks for the message - in all honesty...
says
Hi Brookerbig, thanks for the message - in all honesty...
Member
Hi Paul,
I need a help about choosing my playstyle! I practice close to the table, but when i'm in a match my style isn't aggressive. I do chops, blocks and forehand topspin, smash. I usually don't use backhand topspin. So, my teammates and my coach thinks about changing my style to a modern defense. But people tell that the new polly ball is disadvantage for a defenders and i'm worried if I do a mistake (the change of my style). I think I have that "natural feeling", which really helps defenders and I can chop really good. So, do I have to change my style to modern defender (which is in my blood I guess) or I have to keep practicing as an attacker, because with the new polly ball aggressive topspin players will beat me? Please help me with this decide ... I will change my rubbers and I must choose from inverted and long pimple rubber on the backhand side (FH rubber will be inverted for attacks) .
Greetings, Ivelin
Hi Ivelin888 - thanks for the question! This is a dilemma I have seen a lot of players face. It seems some players do seem to have a natural timing point that is 'later' than others - meaning the seem to like to let the ball before playing it, it is innate to them. Also, some players have a lot of natural feeling to generate spin, so these two qualities combined would suggest that it is a good recipe to be successful as a defensive player.
The modern defensive style will still have a place in the game, with the new plastic ball as well. Do not concentrate to much on what advantages/disadvantages that there are to this. Joo Se Hyuk and Panagiotis Gionis will not see the ranking change dramatically because of the new ball - it's just a case of adapting. Don't let this influence your choice, it's about how hard and long you are willing to practice on how quick you can change and how good you get!
If you are inclined in a match to step back and play with feeling then it is a good idea to perhaps consider defending and attacking at the opertune moment. Another player to watch with this style is Ruwen Filus from Germany. JUST REMEMBER - this type of change will not happen quickly. You must invest time to change your style. I would absolutely recommend to learn to chop on both sides of the bat with inverted rubber first, get a good solid technique, and learn to be consistent.
When you have good chopping technique on both sides, learn to float the ball back with the same action. Then you might consider playing with long pimples on one side, before learning to twiddle. This all takes time and practice and experience so don't be put off if at first you lost to player you might have beat attacking - think of your long term goal, and be patient!
Good luck with is, and the ultimate answer to this question is - only you know which style is best for you. Hope this helps!