5th ball (your 2nd attack)

This is something I need help with and have been trying to focus on.  My game is almost pure offensive, so I loop/hit every serve I can and when I serve I go for 3rd ball attack.  What I'm struggling with currently is my 2nd attack. 

Example,  I serve straight short backspin, my opponent pushes or touches back, that's the ball I attack.  I'll loop that ball either backhand or forehand, really fast and spinny.  %90 of the time, my opponent blocks that straight back at me and sometimes goes for an angle.  The problem is, I don't think I recover fast enough to go for another big hit. 

Question is, should I just attack again?  Should I block?  Should I try and play an angle? 

Ty in advance. :)


Edited by Swiff - 01/04/2012 at 3:09pm

RR has given you one option right there. another insight is that you are committing too much into your first attack. if you don't recover fast enough, you might want to go for a 75% power shot that's placed well and set up for the next shot (5th ball). 

If your opponents are blocking your third ball attacks 90% of the time, you might consider placement over power.

Being able to hit either corner or the elbow with a third ball is more valuable than hitting a powerful ball int to a blocker.

I often let my opponent open and block the first loop back. I love playing mindless loopers who swing hard but have no ability to place the ball accurately or follow up a shot. Easy points for me.

Better players will open with a 70% loop with good placement and loop to the corners until I am out of position and then they will go for the winner. It might take 3, 4, or 5+ loops.

Against a consistent looper like this, I will go on the attack.

yep, pretty much everyone is saying the same thing. hopefully that gives you some more ideas on what might be helpful for you and your style.

Edited by tpgh2k - 01/04/2012 at 4:41pm

Swiff wrote: Very good advice from all of you.  I can't believe I haven't thought about back off a little after first attack.  Because after it, I usually stay centered and close to the table.  *_* I'm going to try both repositioning and placing %70 power loops tonight.  :)

Good news.  Last night I worked on taking a step back after I first attacked and I was making at least twice the shots I was on 2nd attack!

I was able to hit much better and with more confidence after moving back a step, I was also ending a lot of points doing this. 

Thanks! :D

tpgh2k wrote: nice!! now you need to teach me how to get my brain to accept taking a step back after an opening loop.....

Just force yourself for the first few times.  It'll probably feel like a bad idea for a while, but then you'll realize you're winning more points.  :]

roundrobin wrote: Swiff wrote: Good news.  Last night I worked on taking a step back after I first attacked and I was making at least twice the shots I was on 2nd attack! I was able to hit much better and with more confidence after moving back a step, I was also ending a lot of points doing this.  Thanks! :D   I am glad it's working for you... See, I am not such an ass...