Practice?

[ILuvBillVal]

So it's occurred to me that I need some GOOD practice to raise the level of my game. I guess a little practice never hurt anyone. I just wish TS3 had some sort of mode where you could just hit balls to work on risk since many ITST guys clinch the triggers like they're goin' out of style! The top spin school sucks hard and a lot of guys aren't very good practice in matches. Any suggestions? I want to know how the best of the best become the best, and how the great ones become better ones. Any feedback would be appreciated!

[djarvik]

I am here for you man! . Look for me online, be happy to.

[ILuvBillVal]

Thanks djarvik you're awesome man. I have been trying to practice in World Tour LOL but sometimes that's like practicing skipping stones with a boulder!

[Baghdad Baghdatis]

So it's occurred to me that I need some GOOD practice to raise the level of my game. I guess a little practice never hurt anyone. I just wish TS3 had some sort of mode where you could just hit balls to work on risk since many ITST guys clinch the triggers like they're goin' out of style! The top spin school sucks hard and a lot of guys aren't very good practice in matches. Any suggestions? I want to know how the best of the best become the best, and how the great ones become better ones. Any feedback would be appreciated!

Hi ILuvBillVal,

First of all shout me up for a game anytime, I don't think we have ever played before, add me, Baghdad Kebab.

I know exactly what you mean, its hard to practice your shots and work on your game because effectively there is no real practice mode.

As for the WT, i started there, but I only pop onto it now and then to try out new characters in SIM if there is no one else on my friends list available to play which is pretty rare.

Its hard to practice on WT for many reasons, because you face 40-50 XP players who decide to play before they have 70 XP, or players who are very average (which is fine) or 100 Power hitters / XP to which you find yourself always defending.

The best way to improve your real Topspin skills is to play exhibtions with the top ITST players because for obvious reasons they have the best game and they all have different styles which you can learn off when you see them play a certain shot in a certain position at a certain point of the rally etc.

For the most naturally skilled players who can rally & play all the shots I would say play guys like Rae, The Specialist, Anil , Djarvik, Anteros, Mack, Rob, Swifty, Pichacu etc

If you want matches against big sloggers & big returners play guys like Noberto, Coolhand, Murda Mindstate, EPOX & Equitendallas etc

All of the above are the best that I have played (but there are others too of course). Good newcomers to play i included on the other post (like Puttu, SMP etc)

How the best become the best? Well, time, variety, patience, not scared to try new things etc

Tips for you from my game that I like to adopt:

1. Serve - stick is the best IMO, master that, and you are on your way
2. Serve - vary your serve, hit the lines, mix flat and slice and topspin / kick to keep your opponents guessing
3. Shot variety - mix up risk, with normal and use all the buttons
4. Volley - Don't be afraid to come to the net on a point that could be put away quicker with a volley
5. Drop shot - mastering these with accruacy can be good, i perhaps hit only about 3 in a match but still a point is a point
6. Defend / Attack - knowing when to defend and knowing when to attack, find the right balance
7. Defend on the run - my favourite defensive shot is the running risk LT slice to get me back into the court
8. Return - master this, with well timed blocks or risk (if needed) and you will be a champ (something I am still working on at the moment)

Peace
Baghdad

[jayl0ve]

ILuvBillVal, hit me up anytime you wanna play TS3, but I'd also say that playing on Very Hard against the computer is very good risk shot practice. Just try to hit every shot as a risk shot and don't worry about winning or losing. There's nothing different with the actual mechanics of a risk shot in online play, so I think it's actually great practice

[Chederer]

I am here for you man! . Look for me online, be happy to.

djarvik likes playing against beginners

[djarvik]

I am here for you man! . Look for me online, be happy to.

djarvik likes playing against beginners

This beginner will bagel you Ched He knocked me out in straight sets from AO.

[Chederer]

are you serious? well...i was being sarcastic....if it werent for you, rob, and joe when i first started i would not be able to hit a forehand down the line

[ILuvBillVal]

Hey Baghdad that was an AWESOME reply man thanks! I've pretty much come to this realization on WT... some guys are decent to play with. I like Redferne01 he's a pretty good player and usually uses 40/90 anyway. As far as exhibition yeah Puttuu was great practice and that Murda Mindstate guy kicked my ass all over the place LOL. But yeah I will definitely add you guys. For me the toughest part is reading the balls opponents hit and judging which ones I will be able to get to and risk and when to lay off to avoid the error. Thanks fellas!