Too bad def or to good off?

[speedplay]

Now, you all know that I prefer to think about my self as a modern defender, but recently I've grown some doubts about this. The reason is, when I play against regular practice partners, even if I play a good defensive game, I lose a lot more then I win. If I do change my tactic and become more offensive towards them (from both wings, including hitting more with the anti then chopping) I've noticed an increase in won games. Now, does this show that I really shouldn't continue to try being a defender? Cause, against people I face in competitions, I often get better results with my more defensive style. Often, these players are more skilled then the ones I practice with, could this play a part? Or is it that my regular practice partners have grown used to my defensive style?

Any other thoughts about this?

[Peter C]

The answer I think is :

Your club mates know your game and have learnt how to play against anti and your natural defensive game. What they are less used to, is your attacking game from both sides.

In competitions, chances are you'll get to play others, who are less familiar with anti and struggle against you for that reason.

[pingpongrob]

well as all may know by now, Supachop is an Allrounder Defender - By this I mean he can defend and also attack. He's ranked pretty high in Australia, and is very hard to beat. Of course when I play him all the time I get use to his tactic, but this doesnt help me beat him.

Speedplay, my advice to you is stick to your guns, and figure out a way to beat your practicing partner, just like he figured out how to beat you. Its natural progression.

As my game has evolved,  Supachops has also got better. His pushes at the table are more aggressive, his placement is now more accurate. These are some of the finer points you will need to address. make your partner work harder to win every point. Make him missread the spin on every ball. Frustrate him with your abilty to retrieve every ball. Eventually he will play outside his capabilty, and the errors will once again begin, tipping the scales back in your Favour.