A third ball attack strategy

Photo by spalbird

This is assuming they are right handed.

Serving forehand short gives them more angles to play it away from you making you lunge for the ball and be out of position for the next shot. So, serve backhand short or long. This will make the ball come back towards you. This gives you the chance to pivot and 3rd ball attack. This seems so simple but I had just figured it out after years of playing.

You could experiment with what spin you put on the ball to make the ball pop up or forces them to chop it back long for your chance to attack or loop with your forehand. A no spin or a low topspin serve usually works. When you do a fast long topspin serve to their backhand, make it surprising and do it at a time that isn’t predictable. This stops them from being comfortable on receiving. Keep them guessing. A long fast serve to their backhand will make the return come back long so be prepared for it. After you serve, jump into a ready position that is a bit further away from the table.

Attacking the ball before your opponent does gives you the heads up on the game, putting them on defence and giving you the confidence you need to win.