Being Ready for a Long or a Short Push

Hi Alois & Jeff, I've been having a problem with trying to attack a long push to either of the corners, for instance: I serve it short with backspin, then he pushes it short, then I also push it short, then all of a sudden he pushes it long to one of the corners and i'm totally out of position to make a backhand/forehand "topspin off backspin loop" So how can I be in a ready position for a short push AND a long and quite fast corner push?

Thanks guys :)

Hi Collin,

It sounds like you are trying to employ some really good tactics. You can get better at this by making sure that after you push the ball short, you get back to your ready position and don't just stay close to the net.

The other key is to watch the ball really closely. Most people think they are watching the ball closely but I like to use the term, track the ball. When you watch the ball this closely, with your peripheral vision, you'll start to see your opponent make certain movements and with more experience you'll pick up quicker whether they are going to push the ball short or long.

Here's a great article on how to anticipate better.