· Opponent serves short. Instead of pushing it back long all the time and letting the server attack first, push it back low and short. This will often result in the server pushing it back for a long time, and then you get to attack first. Or you can push it back aggressively – quick, fast, heavy, deep and well angled – and get a push return that you can attack, or a weak, erratic first attack that you can hammer.
· Opponent serves long. The most important thing in receiving is often just consistency – but if you can repeat those long serves deep on the table to the server’s weakest spot, you’re often ready for the next shot.
· The opponent pushes effectively for a long time. Instead of going for a wild point-ending run against a good push, instead run it medium or slow, with lots of spin, and deep on the table towards the weakest side, or towards the middle. This will often prepare you for the next shot. It also increases your chances of making the first shot, while still giving you a lot of points if the opponent misses your first barrel.
· The opponent attacks your backhand. Instead of just giving it back crosscourt, perhaps try blocking or countering aggressively at the opponent’s weakest spot, which is most likely his center (roughly the playing elbow, halfway between the forehand and the backhand). This will often result in a weaker return to attack, as well as many outright mistakes. If the opponent is looking for a forehand and seems willing to shoot up the middle with the forehand, perhaps move aggressively to the wide corners – the wide forehand is often open – often forcing a weak or erratic return.
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