Serving and Then Just Standing There? How to Attack on the Third Ball
The serve-and-attack game is the only scoring pattern you start entirely on your own terms. This article covers three deadly placements, three routines you can copy directly, and the three things to do in the half-second after you serve.
Serving and Then Just Standing There?
In amateur matches, a good share of the points are decided in the first three shots. The reason is simple: the serve is the only shot in the rally the opponent cannot interfere with — you choose the spin, the placement and the tempo. But most players waste that advantage: they serve, stand still and watch, and only start thinking when the ball comes back.
The core of the serve-and-attack game is not how much spin you put on the serve. It is knowing what you will play on the third ball before you serve.
Three Placements Worth Reusing
You do not need many variations; concentrating on three areas is the most efficient:
| Placement | Typical opponent reaction | The third ball you are waiting for |
|---|---|---|
| Fast long serve to the backhand baseline | They back off and block, the ball drifting toward the middle | Backhand quick tear, or step around and loop |
| Short serve to the middle, near the net | They push it, often popping it up | Step in and flick, or a quick forehand counter-drive |
| Half-long ball | They are afraid to flick and push conservatively | Step in and loop — a half-long ball is made for looping |
Alternate the three and the opponent can never fix their position. Serve one spot however heavily spun and the third ball will gradually be worked out.
Three Routines You Can Copy Directly
Routine 1: Short sidespin-backspin + forehand smash. Serve short sidespin-backspin to the opponent’s backhand near the net. Most players push it back a little high — step in, take it on the rise, and smash or lightly punch it with the forehand. You do not need power; a sharp placement is enough.
Routine 2: Fast long serve to the baseline + backhand quick tear. Serve fast and long to the backhand baseline to push the opponent back; the return is usually quick and central — tear it cross-court with the backhand and break through.
Routine 3: Half-long serve to the middle + change of direction. Serve sidespin half-long to the middle; the opponent barely pushes it up and the placement is predictable — loop it hard to the backhand corner with the forehand, or attack the forehand gap with the backhand.
Match the serve to your strengths: if your forehand is good, serve something that forces a push to your forehand side; if your backhand is good, serve short and force a lift you can tear. The serve serves the third ball; it is not a performance.
The Half-Second After You Serve
Whether the attack works often depends on the instant after the serve:
- Shuffle back and recover, weight between the feet — do not stay frozen in the service posture;
- Lift the racket to chest height, ready to start the swing at any moment;
- Watch the opponent’s racket shape to read the return’s spin and placement, instead of starting only once the ball is over the net.
Once these three become habit, your attack success rate will rise before your technique does.
Three Traps to Avoid
- Attacking too hard. Chasing a one-shot kill drops your hit rate and hands over points. Use medium power and aim for placement — on the table first, power second.
- Having only one serve. Spin and no-spin, long and short must be paired, producing different spins from similar motions, or the opponent will move early without fear.
- Serving, then standing and watching. The most common and most expensive amateur habit; fixing it pays better than learning another serve.
Further Reading
- Receiving: Three Reading Signals — when it is your turn to receive, the opponent is thinking this way too
- The Hook Serve: A Weapon That Wins Points Outright — the most useful serve in an attacking routine
- The Forehand Loop, Fully Broken Down — third-ball quality comes from looping fundamentals
- Where the Power of the Backhand Flick Comes From — the other route to attacking off the receive
In one line: the first three shots are really about having a plan before the serve — for every ball you serve, you should know how the opponent will most likely return it and where you will play the next one.