says
Spin to win!
says
Spin to win!
Well-Known Member
Just over 2 years ago, the rules changed to allow "coaching" in between points.
Now, I've watched a fair few pro matches, and it doesn't look like it's had a detrimental impact on the gameplay, speed or anything else.
I was playing in a local league match last night (if you had to generalise it, it's the most "friendly" league I play in, with players having played in it for many years, and typically everyone gets on with each other).
For anyone who doesn't know, a local league match in the UK is 3 vs 3 (everyone plays everyone), with 1 doubles at the end.
Anyway, one of their players is extremely unorthodox, with short pips (almost hard bat like) on the backhand, and a very very spinny forehand rubber.
He doesn't attack, but he mixes up his forehand and backhand really well, which generally catches people off guard (especially those who can't hit a decent backhand).
Now, there are very few people who are genuinely looking to improve their game in this league - Most are happy playing the same way they have for the past 20/30/40 years, and just carry on playing for the enjoyment/competitive side.
But my 2 team mates are looking to improve where possible, and I would make comments like "go through the ball" with a shadow action, whilst sitting on the side.
Or it might be "get over the ball", you get the idea.
This would happen (generally), after they'd missed a shot, and the opponent was going to pick the ball up - i.e, not taking any time at all.
Likewise, I'd have a very brief (30 second) chat in between sets to go over some tactics - This is a pretty alien concept to most of the players in this league, who simply don't have anyone that could do that for them.
Anyway, one of their guys got pretty annoyed by this (he was playing, and I was occasionally giving his opponent who was my teammate, some advice when he missed), and said I shouldn't be offering any advice at all as it was against the rules.
I obviously knew it wasn't, but wasn't going to aggravate the situation in what was supposed to be a relatively friendly affair.
So, the question to you folk (especially those who may play in leagues, but also to our brothers from America and beyond)......
Now the rule is in place, and doesn't seem to cause delays - What are your thoughts on it?
To add some context behind why I do it with weaker teammates, it's so that they can learn on the spot, and improve their game. It's all well and good giving the advice after the game, but by that point you might not play them again all year.
So the player has a chance to improve there and then.
That's my feeling anyway - What's yours?
Now, I've watched a fair few pro matches, and it doesn't look like it's had a detrimental impact on the gameplay, speed or anything else.
I was playing in a local league match last night (if you had to generalise it, it's the most "friendly" league I play in, with players having played in it for many years, and typically everyone gets on with each other).
For anyone who doesn't know, a local league match in the UK is 3 vs 3 (everyone plays everyone), with 1 doubles at the end.
Anyway, one of their players is extremely unorthodox, with short pips (almost hard bat like) on the backhand, and a very very spinny forehand rubber.
He doesn't attack, but he mixes up his forehand and backhand really well, which generally catches people off guard (especially those who can't hit a decent backhand).
Now, there are very few people who are genuinely looking to improve their game in this league - Most are happy playing the same way they have for the past 20/30/40 years, and just carry on playing for the enjoyment/competitive side.
But my 2 team mates are looking to improve where possible, and I would make comments like "go through the ball" with a shadow action, whilst sitting on the side.
Or it might be "get over the ball", you get the idea.
This would happen (generally), after they'd missed a shot, and the opponent was going to pick the ball up - i.e, not taking any time at all.
Likewise, I'd have a very brief (30 second) chat in between sets to go over some tactics - This is a pretty alien concept to most of the players in this league, who simply don't have anyone that could do that for them.
Anyway, one of their guys got pretty annoyed by this (he was playing, and I was occasionally giving his opponent who was my teammate, some advice when he missed), and said I shouldn't be offering any advice at all as it was against the rules.
I obviously knew it wasn't, but wasn't going to aggravate the situation in what was supposed to be a relatively friendly affair.
So, the question to you folk (especially those who may play in leagues, but also to our brothers from America and beyond)......
Now the rule is in place, and doesn't seem to cause delays - What are your thoughts on it?
To add some context behind why I do it with weaker teammates, it's so that they can learn on the spot, and improve their game. It's all well and good giving the advice after the game, but by that point you might not play them again all year.
So the player has a chance to improve there and then.
That's my feeling anyway - What's yours?