Third ball attack practice

Julio Slinin Asked 12 years ago

With many players I found no advantage to be the server because they have a level good enough to avoid any long or high return able to be attacked by me as a third ball. What's the use of practicing a third ball attack if what I get as a serve return is a short ball or a flip well placed? Can it be that "third ball attack practice" may be only useful in some stage of your "career" (against players who can't read the spin or don't know how to return short) but as you face higher opponents its usefullness decreases?

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Julio,

At all levels the third ball can be effective.  It is a matter of improving your serves to a level where it is difficult for your opponent to control the ball back and will give you a small opportunity to make an attacking stroke.

The other consideration is to try and work on your third ball so that you can attack a ball that is only slightly higher or longer.  If you watch the best players they are able to take advantage of small opportunities because of the strength of their topspin.