Defending against a penholder sidespin attacker

My forehand counterhit is swinging and missing a lot against a penhold sidespin attacker.  He's the only penholder in our club and I'm not yet reading the spin from his (unfamiliar to me) paddle movement.

So ... is it better to try and take the ball sooner, before it can jump sideways, or should I wait longer, let the jump develop and slow down - and then take aim?

Thanks!

Hi Michael,

I would wait and watch the flight of the ball carefully.  As you say, you are not used to the flight as yet.  Keep watching and it will become much easier to predict where the ball is going.  Just watching the ball, time and experience of it will help the most.