Game strategy for mid level players

Dear Coach,

I played well when I verse a player with a similar style like mine:

1) Serve short , return is a backspin or push or flick

2) Apply a semi-aggressive Topspin  and then finish the point with a mini smash or another topspin

My greatest worry is playing against the traditional player who serve extremely fast on my forehand (or even backhand). And, continously play fast ball mainly to forehand and occasionally to my backhand. They use more a positioning strategy and not topspin.  I simply return out of the table and misses the next shot by trying to Topspin.

Is it fair to say that the short backspin serve is just prior to the rally which will come after the thrid or fourth ball.

I have always concentrated on the serve and topspin and very less time on rally.

In a match, during a rally do you just topspin all the time on long balls or positioning the ball left and right alternatively by a normal loop (with less spin)

Is practising rally very important.

Regards

Rama

Hi Rama,

The rally is important as well as the first few balls.  However, if they serve long to you then you should just vary the types and speeds of topspins to always it difficult for your opponent to return your shots.