The other day, I played against a 12 year old kid with long pimples on the backhand.
In his age group, he would nominate a lot of players, as they struggle with the pimples, and then he would follow by a wicked fh topspin killer
I saw the kids in 2 ways - great and also a bit too single dimensional (with some arrogant).
So I decided to play some friendlies with the kid - no match, just who ever had the ball would serve.
First 2 points, I took it too lightly and he took points straight from my serve receive and he keeps saying "too good".
Then I thought I should really teach this kid a lesson about being too arrogant, I stepped up my game. When ever he serves, I would win points directly with serve return. I think that was 8 in a row (all BH or FH flick or direct FH or BH top spin if the ball is just a bit long), until I decided to get into some rallies.
When he:
BH chop block - I would drop the ball REALLY short, and 2 to 3 bounces before he even get close to the ball, so I keep winning the ball
BH chop - I would hold back my stroke and wait for the right timing and either slow top spin or fast drive - both to his BH side. Where he would fail the next shot
Then he stop using so much BH, and focus on his FH - I still keep attacking the ball to his BH side.
Apart from the first 2 point I lost, I think the fun ended with me have 20-30 odd points and him around 5 .
He struggled with me because I didn't struggle with him
Other kids struggle with him, because they don't understand what a pimple can do the spin of the ball, and most importantly to the pace of the ball
There is no secret - it is all about practicing it
I hope this kid can learn one day that, being a pimple player, it is all about patience and to keep "getting the ball back". The longer he can do this, the better chance of him winning the point.
Sadly, in his own age group, the point is normally gone within 3 to 5 touches. I just did the same with him, but obviously it all came my way
IMO, we need more pimple players. Especially from a young age. It adds many dimensions to the game of table tennis.