Strategy
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?
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.
When playing penhold players it is important to remember to first analyse your opponent as you would if they used any grip. What are their strengths and weaknesses? A common weakness of penhold players is their forehand block especially against a slow spinny topspin. Their backhand may be a weakness if they use the traditional style, or you may wish to explore the crossover point if they are using the reverse penhold backhand.
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Julio Slinin Posted 13 years ago
Hi Alois,
Your two answers go right to the point. Fine.
(By the way, when I posted my question, I forgot to say "hello" first -bad manners, I know- and as there wasn't an "edit" button (or at least, I didn't find it), I couldn't do anything about that. Sorry)
Hi Julio,
That is all fine. Hope they help.