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Why are European legends like Vladimir Samsonov, Timo Boll or Jan Ove Waldner able to play at the top of the world so long, while Chinese athletes often take a break early? A lot of people have asked me that question, and today, i will try to analyze it from a professional perspective.
Analysis play style:
- Samsonov: play both side, bulky body, slow speed, weak force, hit the medium range.
- Timo Boll: play both side(safe, spiny forehand and fast demi from backhand), great footwork, play close and middle range of table.
- Waldner: mostly play forehand side, close to the table, brilliant in serve and return serve, good defense from backhand , his forehand loop is very hard to predict and very wide placement.
So, what do they all have in common to be able to play at the top of the world for so long? In my opinion, these are the factors:
- GOOD DEFENSE:
All 3 European Legends have amazing defensive ability. It is extremely difficult to break through them. Attack force must be like the top Chinese player to be able to take the points. When they defend well, it means they are already in an unbeatable position. They can choose good ball situations to finish, otherwise they can return it back to the opponent attack, because they can defend anyway.
- GREAT FEELING:
Look at how Waldner returned the serve with push, flirt and flick. Look at how Timo Boll show his crazy touch (short push). Look at Samsonov adjust his ball placement very hard when standing in the middle of the table. You will see their feeling so incredible.
- TENACITY and PLACEMENT OF THE BALL:
Speaking of tenacity, Samsonov must say is the best. He was surprisingly persistent. To get a point of Sam, the opponent may have to attack up to 7-10 shots with very hard placement and create big pressure. Waldner is capable of looping with crazy side spin and so wide placement, even if the opponent knows, it is difficult to catch up. Timo Boll is combine version of 2 legends. He attacks very spin, safe and placement so hard to defense or counter back. He also have great defense albility with his strongest weapon is backhand counter shot (fast rhythm, close to the table)
In summary, they are going another way. The path of feeling, control and tenacity, not the path of speed or power like the Chinese. Naturally, focusing on fast and strong can't play on top of the world forever.
Speaking of us, you and me, the amateur players, which play style do you choose? The path of speed and power like the Chinese, or the path of feeling and control like European legends? Comment below to let us know.
Analysis play style:
- Samsonov: play both side, bulky body, slow speed, weak force, hit the medium range.
- Timo Boll: play both side(safe, spiny forehand and fast demi from backhand), great footwork, play close and middle range of table.
- Waldner: mostly play forehand side, close to the table, brilliant in serve and return serve, good defense from backhand , his forehand loop is very hard to predict and very wide placement.
So, what do they all have in common to be able to play at the top of the world for so long? In my opinion, these are the factors:
- GOOD DEFENSE:
All 3 European Legends have amazing defensive ability. It is extremely difficult to break through them. Attack force must be like the top Chinese player to be able to take the points. When they defend well, it means they are already in an unbeatable position. They can choose good ball situations to finish, otherwise they can return it back to the opponent attack, because they can defend anyway.
- GREAT FEELING:
Look at how Waldner returned the serve with push, flirt and flick. Look at how Timo Boll show his crazy touch (short push). Look at Samsonov adjust his ball placement very hard when standing in the middle of the table. You will see their feeling so incredible.
- TENACITY and PLACEMENT OF THE BALL:
Speaking of tenacity, Samsonov must say is the best. He was surprisingly persistent. To get a point of Sam, the opponent may have to attack up to 7-10 shots with very hard placement and create big pressure. Waldner is capable of looping with crazy side spin and so wide placement, even if the opponent knows, it is difficult to catch up. Timo Boll is combine version of 2 legends. He attacks very spin, safe and placement so hard to defense or counter back. He also have great defense albility with his strongest weapon is backhand counter shot (fast rhythm, close to the table)
In summary, they are going another way. The path of feeling, control and tenacity, not the path of speed or power like the Chinese. Naturally, focusing on fast and strong can't play on top of the world forever.
Speaking of us, you and me, the amateur players, which play style do you choose? The path of speed and power like the Chinese, or the path of feeling and control like European legends? Comment below to let us know.
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