· Opponent serves short. Rather than just push 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 long, and then you get to attack first. Or you could push it back aggressively – quick, fast, heavy, deep, and well angled – and get either a push return you can attack, or a weak, erratic first attack that you can hammer.

·  Opponent serves long. The most important thing in receive is often just consistency – but if you can loop those long serves deep on the table to the server’s weakest spot, that’ll often set you up for the next shot.

·  Opponent pushes long effectively. Rather than go for a wild point-ending loop against a good push, instead loop it medium or slow, with lots of spin, and deep on the table to their weakest side, or their middle. This will often set you up for the next shot. It’ll also increase your chances of making the first shot, while still getting you a lot of points when the opponent misses against your first loop.

·  Opponent attacks your backhand. Rather than just return it crosscourt, perhaps try blocking or countering aggressively at the opponent’s weakest spot, which is most likely his middle (roughly the playing elbow, halfway between the forehand and backhand). This will often result in a weaker return you can attack, as well as many outright mistakes. If the opponent is looking for a forehand and seems ready to go after shots to the middle with the forehand, then perhaps go aggressively at the wide corners – the wide forehand is often open – often forcing a weak or erratic return.