3rd-ball-attack-options
Nomad asked 2 years ago
Hi Guys
With your experience of competitive play I thought you could advise on a possible scenario for a succesful 3rd ball attack.
I have strated with a heavy topspin tomahawk service from the right hand side of the table to my oppenent’s forehand (both right handed players) which is deep and low over the net. Assuming the ball is topspinned again by the opponent to about 3/4 of the length and in the middle of my side of the table, what kick should I expect from the initial service sidespin return with added toppsin and how best should I prepare if I wanted to continue with the attacking rally?
Thanks
Tom Academy Coach answered 2 years ago
Hey Alex!
Ok so first it definitely depends on how much sidespin you put on your serve initially. But what I would say is that it’s very important to recover well from this type of serve and keep the bat high after playing a long serve so you can be ready to counter topspin over your opponents return shot.
The ball may slightly kick to the forehand side with the type of tomahawk serve you mentioned but again it really does depend how positive much spin there is and how positive the opponent is able to play on it.
I know players who I’ve worked with in the past have found it very effective doing this type of serve from the middle of the table and then trying to be in position for a forehand counter attack. As I mentioned you need the bat fairly high, close over the top of the ball and brush forward with this type of counter shot.
Let me know if you have any other questions on this topic 🙂 Cheers, Tom
