W. Schlager’s favourite exercise

Werner Schlager’s coach, Hungarian Ferenc Karsai, says that Werner does a semi-schematic type exercise highly focused where, after the initial given scheme, the player doing the exercise has to decide whether to continue the game with a forehand or a backhand in free play. Schlager himself says that he practices less today than when he was younger, and when choosing exercises, he focuses only on exercises that are particularly important for his game. One such exercise is the one described here. It simulates a situation in which an early decision must be made to continue the game with a forehand or backhand, which often occurs in the game. Step 1. The sparring partner serves long, Werner hits a topspin into the partner’s backhand. Variant: Werner serves short, the partner returns with a long pimple or flip, Werner continues with a topspin into the partner’s backhand Step 2. The sparring partner freely places a backhand block anywhere on Werner’s side. Variant: The sparring partner occasionally plays a backhand counterspin and not a block. Step 3. No matter where the sparring partner placed the ball, Werner plays topspin, either with a backhand or a forehand into the sparring partner’s backhand. Variant: After a few balls into the sparring partner’s backhand, Werner turns topspin into the sparring partner’s forehand and from that moment the game is free, both players try to win a point in free play. Exercise for two-winged attackers – The German federal coach in charge of the technical education of players, Chinaman Wang Zhi, recommends an exercise intended for players who play both forehand and backhand attacks. Players who mainly play a backhand attack from the backhand side often receive an aggressive ball placed in the middle and to the body from the opponent. It is especially important for these players to practice avoiding attacking such balls with a forehand. Step 1. The sparring partner plays a long, fast serve into the middle of the table, the player plays a forehand topspin into the sparring partner’s backhand. Variant: The player serves short, the sparring partner plays a long pimple in the middle, the player attacks with a forehand topspin into the sparring partner’s backhand. Step 2. The sparring partner plays a backhand block of free choice into the player’s backhand or forehand corner. The player continues a topspin attack into the sparring partner’s backhand with a backhand or forehand. Variant: The sparring partner plays a counterhit or counter-topspin from his backhand. Step 3. After playing one block into the forehand or backhand corner, the sparring partner plays the next block into the middle of the table. The player must counter with the forehand and attack the ball with a forehand topspin into the backhand of the sparring partner, who again places the next ball either into the player’s forehand or backhand corner. Variant: After several changes, the sparring partner plays two balls in a row into the backhand or forehand corner, free play continues to score a point.