What to play against deep lobs

Hi guys. I played a game recently where in response to the topspin shots we were playing that both of us were pushed a fair way back from the table, say 2-3 metres. We continued to lob each other until someone made a mistake and lost the point some many strokes later. We were both hesitant about playing a smash or hitting hard at the ball because we were so far from the table. Is there some alternative to just lobbying back a lob when the ball is deep or do you attempt a smash? Is there a different technique for a smash when you are well back from the table? What alternatives do l have to deal with this situation? Is it simply a matter of practice trying to smash from far away from the table.

Hi Doug,

You can practice smashing when you are pushed away from the table but the better alternative is probably to make a topspin.  You can still make a fast topspin from there.  One of the keys is to move back so that you are balanced to make the stroke.