Serve and third-ball attack

Setup

1. Two players at one table: P1 serves, P2 receives. Spare balls stay in a box beside the table, not on the floor.
2. Agree the pattern first: short backspin serve, long push return, forehand loop.

How it runs

1. P1 serves short backspin so it would bounce twice on P2's side if left.
2. P2 pushes long, at first always to P1's forehand half.
3. P1 moves behind the ball and loops the third ball deep, then the point is played out.
4. Five serves each, then swap roles. Next round, P2 may push to either half.
5. Score the third ball: 2 points if the loop lands deep, 1 if it lands anywhere, 0 if missed.

Coaching points

• Recover to the ready position straight after serving; the serve is not the end of the job.
• Read the push early: watch the bat angle and how long the ball flies.
• Let a backspin ball drop slightly and lift through it, brushing up and forward.
• Aim the loop at a corner or the elbow rather than the middle of the table.

Common mistakes

• Admiring the serve and being caught flat-footed by the push.
• Hitting the backspin ball flat into the net instead of lifting it.
• Serving too long, which gives the receiver an easy attack.