Thanks for your web site, it’s been a great help over the past two years.
I am currently in two leagues. One I can hardly win a game but I do manage 1 or 2 legs now and again!
The second league we are top and although there are some very good tight matches there are also some teams that are very weak.
Any advice on how we should approach both types of games? The latter I suppose we can use our weaker shots to practice, but I don't like to discourage newer players in fact I've purposely lost a leg to encourage them.
Regards
Roger
I think it is good to play against players who are stronger or weaker than you, but not too much better or worse. Players who are a bit stronger will make you work harder to win a point, and will expose your vulnerabilities more. Players who are a bit weaker allow you to practice your patterns and putaways. But if your opponent is a lot stronger or weaker, things aren't so good, so you don't want to spend too much time on the table playing these types of opponents in serious competition if you can help it.
Playing Ping-Pong Against Much Better Players
Against much higher level opponents, I would recommend trying to learn as much as possible about what they do in order to stop you playing your best game. Is it deceptive serves, stronger third ball attacks, better ball placement, tighter service returns, or your best shots returned until you miss?Try not to worry too much about the score or even winning points, and instead focus on improving your competitiveness in each point, one at a time. By paying close attention to how a much better player dominates you, you can learn valuable lessons about where you need to improve.
Of course, this method can also be used against players who are just a bit better than you too!
Playing Ping-Pong Against Much Worse Players
Against much weaker opponents, I personally wouldn't be dropping a game to encourage them, but you can boost their spirits in other ways while still doing something useful for yourself.Playing against much lower level opponents is a golden opportunity to brush up on your decision making during a rally. Consciously make your services easier (a good chance to practice your no-spin serves!), send more returns to their best shots, and practice placing the ball to certain locations on purpose, rather than by instinct. Give them less spin on purpose - practice your float balls. Practice one specific return of serve a lot. Take advantage of the chance to focus more on your stance, footwork, and technique while you are not under pressure. Check your balance and recovery during rallies. And if they are open to suggestions, give them a piece or two advice after the match, so that the next time they'll be better and push you a bit harder!
Regards,
Greg Letts
