Should every beginner be an offensive style player?

[andymagata]

I know that there usually are multiple ways to reach your maximal playing level. The one thing that stand out to me is probably time invested - the more time and effort you are able to put in the faster your progression and possibly there is a possibility to reach your own unique top level of play. However, while doing so you need to avoid getting injured or ingrain bad habits and techniques.

But what about style? I am now thinking in the lines of, regardless of your age, you must be a very offensive player. Playing a control or defensive style will limit you. Even if you are likely to end up like one, especially if you are a bit older playing against younger, you must first learn to attack every attackable ball. When your quality attacks are no longer successful would be the time to consider another playing style.

What do you think?

 

[merlin el mago]

Why?

It all depends how skilled is defending or attacking, you can win both ways.

 

[Tyce]

I think that even as a defensive player, it's important to have a conventional allround/offensive basis even if the goal is to understand what you are defending against.
Also, for modern defense, attacking is very much a part of the skillset.

 

[NetProphet]

I think for a beginner, to try to win games purely by defending is not very realistic. It requires very good touch, placement and anticipation as well as an understanding of spin and tactics.
This is by definition for me, a more advanced play style.
I think a beginner should have fun and try to learn an attacking game before deciding that defensive is the style they was to specialise in 🤷

 

[Hurricane AON]

I think everyone should learn all the basic skills such as, drive, block, push, chop, topspin.
After that, someone can play better than others in some skills.

 

[Lazer]

It’s way more difficult to find a good coach and get training in a club if you are a defender. Every single coach I ever encountered is almost 100% focused on offense…

Cheers
L-zr

 

[merlin el mago]

@Lazer, truth and even more to find the coach for a close to the table player.

 

[Airoc]

I think that even as a defensive player, it's important to have a conventional allround/offensive basis even if the goal is to understand what you are defending against.
Also, for modern defense, attacking is very much a part of the skillset.

That, and also the playing style depends on the mindset.
So for starters, teach them basic strokes and watch them

 

[XpingpingpongpongX]

For hobby players, what makes someone good at defensive or offensive style? Is it the footwork habit? the mindset? the paddle?
I have an offensive style, but relatively bad in defense. So my performance could vary a lot, because I rely on attacks.

There are people who like to take a couple steps back and can defend pretty well. In the 1500 rating level, many people don't have good placement or consistency. So most defenders can play consistently well. But their attacks are usually not a threat either.

If I want to improve on the defensive side, would I need to adjust my offensive style?

 

[SFF_lib]

As a hobbist playing an unique style wins you more games.

Some of the best players in my blub play like a clown. They push where most would attack. They chop where most would block. At the club level it's a wild west.

Find the style you feel most comfortable with unless you're going pro

 

[Dr Evil]

I think it usually helps to start with smooth rubber on both sides, making spin central to the learning process from the beginning.

 

[songdavid98]

I know that there usually are multiple ways to reach your maximal playing level. The one thing that stand out to me is probably time invested - the more time and effort you are able to put in the faster your progression and possibly there is a possibility to reach your own unique top level of play. However, while doing so you need to avoid getting injured or ingrain bad habits and techniques.

But what about style? I am now thinking in the lines of, regardless of your age, you must be a very offensive player. Playing a control or defensive style will limit you. Even if you are likely to end up like one, especially if you are a bit older playing against younger, you must first learn to attack every attackable ball. When your quality attacks are no longer successful would be the time to consider another playing style.

What do you think?

Absolutely yes, with 1 exception.

////////////////////

Literally, the laws of physics (the magnus effect) makes topspin the best spin. It gives the greatest margin for error.
Heavy topspin is literally the most consistent shot in the game.

Also, you get so many opportunities to practice doing that, especially from hobby players.

////////////////////

You don't get so as many opportunities to practice block. Hobby players generally mess up a lot of attacks, or have low quality on them, or simply refuse to attack in a match.

///////////////////

As for the 1 exception: you can be a beginner with a defensive style if enough people you play with are great at looping.

 

[Dr Evil]

Literally, the laws of physics (the magnus effect) makes topspin the best spin. It gives the greatest margin for error. Heavy topspin is literally the most consistent shot in the game.

Not entirely. Topspin does give the biggest margin for error for fast attacking shots, because the Magnus force makes the ball dip, letting you clear the net with more margin and still bring it down. But backspin can be more intrinsically stable for defensive control from distance.

A chop is somewhat self-stabilizing because backspin creates upward Magnus that opposes gravity. If the ball drops too low it tends to speed up, boosting Magnus (∝ speed²) and lifting it; if it rises too high it slows down, Magnus weakens, and gravity pulls it back. That negative feedback damps vertical deviations.

 

[songdavid98]

Not entirely. Topspin does give the biggest margin for error for fast attacking shots, because the Magnus force makes the ball dip, letting you clear the net with more margin and still bring it down. But backspin can be more intrinsically stable for defensive control from distance.

A chop is somewhat self-stabilizing because backspin creates upward Magnus that opposes gravity. If the ball drops too low it tends to speed up, boosting Magnus (∝ speed²) and lifting it; if it rises too high it slows down, Magnus weakens, and gravity pulls it back. That negative feedback damps vertical deviations.

I never thought about it that way.
Though, I think there would be more choppers if really is more consistent than a loop.

And there is one more thing:

When defending, the incoming ball can be really fast and you have to read it.
When attacking, the incoming ball is not very fast and you have more time to read it.

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

I know that there usually are multiple ways to reach your maximal playing level. The one thing that stand out to me is probably time invested - the more time and effort you are able to put in the faster your progression and possibly there is a possibility to reach your own unique top level of play. However, while doing so you need to avoid getting injured or ingrain bad habits and techniques.

But what about style? I am now thinking in the lines of, regardless of your age, you must be a very offensive player. Playing a control or defensive style will limit you. Even if you are likely to end up like one, especially if you are a bit older playing against younger, you must first learn to attack every attackable ball. When your quality attacks are no longer successful would be the time to consider another playing style.

What do you think?

NO! We need more choppers. They are a dying breed. Offensive two looper are dime a dozen already...

❤️❤️❤️

 

[Lazer]

NO! We need more choppers. They are a dying breed. Offensive two looper are dime a dozen already...

Agree, the more diversity, the better…

Cheers
L-zr

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

Agree, the more diversity, the better…

Cheers
L-zr

Spoiler: Not too diverse I hope:

 

[andymagata]

My first year I spent looking for a feeling, ball control, Ruwen Filus style, but since it is still hard for me to read the spin all the time, I will go the opposite direction for 2026. I will put my own spin on the ball. Fully commited offensive with the philosophy that every ball is attackable. I am curious to see where it leads.

 

[Lazer]

Spoiler: Not too diverse I hope:

View attachment 39600

That's absolutely fine, its up to You to be smart enough to beat him...

Cheers
L-zr