Pushing Long

Hi Alois why does Italian cadet Carlo Rossi always push long on return of opponents serve? Surely this gives his opponent the advantage because they get to attack first?

A good example is 'Carlo Rossi vs Federico Pavan' Table Tennis Italian Championships 2016 - Carlo Rossi Vs ...

Hi Tam,

Watching that match he does push long sometimes but it isn't the most successful tactic for him.  He often does allow his opponent into the attack and loses the point as a result.  It seems he doesn't have a lot of confidence in his shorter return or flick.  When he attacks the longer serves he has more success.