3rd Ball Attack Issue

Hi Alois,

Having a problem I'm hoping you can help me with:

I've got a decent short topspin pendulum serve.  Many times my opponents will not recognize it as being topspin and try to push it back, which makes it pop straight up in the air.  So far so good.

The problem is that I'm having a hard time finishing the point.  What looks like an easy smash ends up going into the net or off the table - I am probably around 20% when it comes to hitting a winner.  Although the ball pops up high in the air, it also has a lot of backspin on it.  

My question is what would be the best shot in this situation?  Fixing this would result in several more points won per game, and the added bonus of attacking my opponents' confidence and mental game.

Thanks as always!

Hi Gary,

I have seen this problem a bit.  Especially when you first start to use this serve the return that comes back can be awkward.

Take a look at this previous response to an Ask th Coach question. High backspin close to net.  I think this will help.