Performing the Drill
This drill is simple on the surface, since both players must only use their opponent’s forehand courts to land the ball in. Either player can serve, (and the first bounce of the serve can be in any part of the table, while the second bounce must be in the receiver’s forehand court), but the point is then played out using only the forehand courts.
Benefits of the Drill
This drill will force both players to rethink aspects of the game. What serves should be used to make it difficult for the opponent to return the ball in your forehand court? What serves allow an easier transition to playing the ball from the forehand, since you know where the ball will be returned?
Since your opponent knows which court to expect the ball, is consistency in attacking more important than power, since it’s difficult to wrongfoot your opponent? Is it still possible to out maneuver your opponent – can wide balls followed up with a shot straight at the opponent be effective?
Should the player attempt to play every ball with his forehand, or should he also use his backhand if moved out of position?
Variations
Obviously, the backhand court of each player can be used as well, forcing similar decisions from the backhand side. Will players decide to play with mainly their forehand, or their backhand?
By using a string or tape measure, it is also easy to handicap each player, by either widening or narrowing their respective target areas. Strong players can compete with weaker players fairly evenly just by adjusting the size of their targets.
