Table Tennis Defense Strategies
Watching a fast paced game of table tennis is exciting although going up against a seasoned player is a daunting prospect. With the simple rules, this game attracts many people who quickly improve their skills and speed to be able to compete on a local, national or even an international level. There are many strategies that players may use during a game of table tennis, that can be broadly divided into Offense and Defense strategies.
Players who use defense strategies focus on outlasting their opponent, making the game more a feat of endurance and focus than speed and strength. They tend to use variations in spins to encourage their opponents to make mistakes, leading to a winning point.
Moving outwards and inwards: Defense players need to be smooth and fast when moving towards and away from the table tennis table. This ensures that the opponent cannot exploit weaknesses in movement during attack.
Using baits: This would have to be the strongest area of a defensive player. Baits can be implemented, both in footwork, and in spins. The variations in spins would allow the opponent to try and find easier shots which he or she would exploit for an attack. If the spins become too difficult for the opponent to hit, they would instantly switch to a defensive style, robbing the advantage from the defense player. Also, leaving gaps would tempt the opponent to attack towards that direction, allowing the defense player to quickly use a practiced counterattack which may unbalance the opponent.
Serving with forethought: The service is usually problematic to most defensive players as it us generally a move that attackers exploit. However, by using a serve to force the opponent to attack and bring the ball exactly where the defensive player wants it, the game can be better controlled.
Changing strategies quickly: The best table tennis players are well balanced in terms of using offense and defense strategies. To become more formidable as a player, you would have to practice both strategies during a game. Quickly changing the pace of the game and your behavior can easily surprise your opponent and cause them to make mistakes.
