Third Ball strategy

Francisco Cespedes Grau Asked 12 years ago

Hey Alois and Jeff, this is my doubt this time.

What do you recommend me, Should I try to train harder and fasters third ball attacks? or my tactic should do a more slow but very spinny third ball attack waiting for the faster five ball attack?, this assuming the opponent did a decent push which has a bit of backspin and it's not high, otherwise I would attack it harder

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Francisco,

This depends on your opponent.  Some player prefer the ball coming faster and some prefer it coming slower.  You need to work out for each opponent what is best. 

At the start of a match you can experiment with different speeds and see what works.

Don't forget though that a player's likes may alter in a pressure situation.  For example in the early part of a match they may be comfortable to play against a slow topspin but in a pressure situation, they may tighten up and find the slower ball more difficult when they have to make the speed.