Tactics and Precautions for Defeating Left-Handed Shakehand Players Using Inverted Rubber on Both Sides👌

Continuing with our series on strategy by playing style, I would like to consider countermeasures against left-handed players this time.

Since there are overwhelmingly fewer left-handed players than right-handed ones, there are fewer opportunities to face them. It is understandable that many people feel uncomfortable playing against them.

However, as you continue to compete and advance in tournaments, there will inevitably come a time when you must play against a left-handed player. Simply saying "I couldn't win because I'm not good at it" is quite pathetic. To avoid that, let's understand the characteristics of left-handed players and learn how to counter them.

Note that this time, we are assuming a left-handed shakehand player using inverted rubber on both sides.

(1) Characteristics of Left-Handed Shakehand Players with Inverted Rubber

1. Characteristics of Left-Handed Shakehand Players [Spin is opposite to right-handed players]

First, what players who are unaccustomed to left-handers must overcome is the fact that the spin is the opposite of that of right-handed players.

The most prominent example is the receive. For instance, the YG serve or pendulum serve delivered by a right-handed player is called "reverse sidespin," but if a left-handed player delivers a YG or pendulum serve, it becomes "sidespin."

However, once you get used to this, it is not a big deal. You will intuitively understand it without having to mentally convert it, such as thinking, "Since it's the opposite of usual, this serve is sidespin." Experience is key, so let's gradually master it as you continue your competitive experience.

2. Characteristics of Left-Handed Shakehand Players [Being pushed around by high-point backhands]

Because the contact point for a backhand is further in front of the body than for a forehand, the ball can be returned at a higher point. This is common for both right and left-handed players, but the difference is that when a left-handed player hits a backhand cross-court, the ball travels toward the right-handed player's forehand side.

If you carelessly send the ball to the left-hander's backhand, it will be hit to your forehand side, forcing you to chase it and leaving you in a situation where you have no choice but to step back from the table.

Moreover, since you tend to return that ball cross-court as well, the opponent will respond with their backhand again, and you will end up being forced into a defensive position, either by having your forehand attacked again or by having the ball sent down the line.

3. Characteristics of Left-Handed Shakehand Players [It is troublesome when they step around to their backhand side]

And what you must be most wary of is when the opponent steps around their backhand side.

When they step around to hit a forehand, the opponent can freely hit the ball anywhere on your side. It is difficult to react to balls hit down the line, and balls hit with a slight sidespin toward your forehand cross-court are also quite troublesome.

The same can be said for play over the table. Left-handed players have an overwhelming advantage in doubles because they can step around to handle balls over the table. In any case, it is better not to send the ball to their backhand side carelessly.

(2) Strategy for Defeating Left-Handed Shakehand Players

Now, let's finally think about the plan to defeat such left-handed players.

The major premise to keep in mind is "to adopt the same tactics as the left-handed player". What you, as a right-handed player, dislike being done to you by a left-handed player is something that left-handed players also dislike.

Rather than "an eye for an eye," keep the mindset of "striking first" and thoroughly attack the points that left-handers dislike.

1. Strategy for Defeating Left-Handed Shakehanders: Always Use Sidespin to the Forehand Short

First and foremost, the basic approach is to use sidespin to the short forehand. It is best if you can control the length so that it is right on the edge of the forehand side, whether it goes off the table or not.

If it goes off the table, the opponent has no choice but to lift it with a cross-court drive, so the simplest tactic is to wait for that and block or counter it. Making them lift with their forehand and then attacking is a common sight in professional matches, and there are very few players who can handle this well.

Also, even if they handle it over the table, it is quite difficult for a left-hander to adjust their angle against sidespin with their forehand side because it puts their wrist in a very cramped position. Therefore, consider that they might use their footwork to handle it with their backhand, so try to control the length so it goes just slightly off the table.

2. Strategy for Defeating Left-Handed Shakehanders: Target the Forehand First to Push Them Back from the Table

Sending the ball easily to the backhand side is dangerous, so the first target should definitely be the forehand side.

Use a serve or return to attack the forehand, make them swing a drive, and then block it back to the forehand again; this will usually force them to take some distance from the table.

Once that happens, the ball the opponent hits with their forehand will naturally come to your backhand on the cross-court. From there, you can target the forehand even more strictly, or of course, you can attack the open backhand straight. You will have perfectly seized the initiative in the rally.

Attack the left-hander's forehand to force them back, and then use your own backhand from the front court to move them around. Whether you can create this scenario as often as possible is the deciding factor when facing a left-hander.

3. Strategy for Defeating Left-Handed Shakehanders: Long Serve to the Backhand

If you consciously target the forehand with these tactics, the opponent will naturally become aware that "they are targeting my forehand side."

That is when you use a fast long serve to the backhand straight.

As mentioned earlier, it is high-risk to thoughtlessly target a left-hander's backhand, but by making them focus sufficiently on the forehand side before attacking the backhand, the opponent will have to guard two diagonal points, which will be quite exhausting for them.

Conversely, without this long serve to the backhand straight, the effectiveness of your forehand attacks will be halved. Therefore, as I have mentioned before, long serves are extremely important, and whether or not you are consciously aware of them in your daily practice will greatly change how your matches progress.

♣ Summary of Strategies for Defeating Left-Handed Shakehanders

How was that!?

This time, I have thought about tactics for defeating left-handed players.

Of course, even if we just say "left-hander," there are players with various playing styles. Not everything will work the same way, but since the points discussed here are basically common to everyone, you will likely not have bad results if you follow them.

And after understanding these basic points, it is also very important to "get used to" left-handers. Even if there are no left-handed players on your team, there are plenty of ways to be creative, such as having a right-handed player serve from the forehand side.

Let's face this head-on so that you never have to say "I lost because they were a bad matchup" ever again.

Next time, I would like to introduce the mental and physical preparations you should do on the morning of the match.