Best way to return short serves?

[NextLevel]

If you're faced with someone who doesn't open up too well then there's not much point is returning short. I personally like to return short because most of my opponents can open up pretty well on both wings, but most aren't very good at flicks so if I return short and they can't do a quality short return then I can possibly gain an advantage with my FH/BH flick or loop if they push long.

It kind of depends on both you and the opponent. What's uncomfortable for your opponent, and what's uncomfortable for you? For me, I don't feel comfortable on defense, even against weak attacks. That's a weakness of mine so I prefer to push short and open up against both short or long returns by the opponent. However, if I'm playing against someone who can flick short returns/services, like a lot of penholders, I like to return long to their BH side because most near my level aren't great at opening up with their BH even if they play RPB.

There is a point in returning short even if the person doesn't open up well. Quality pushes or attacks off short returns are harder especially for people who do not open up well, the real issue is whether you have the touch to return short with quality. So I would argue that what you are trying to say is that you shouldn't put yourself under pressure to return short with quality and make mistakes if the opponent doesn't open up well.

 

[SleepyMaster]

There is no best way to do it.
Like it depends on a lot of things - your strengths and your opponent’s weaknesses.

Best way would be the most stable one receive that you can execute and make your opponent feeling uncomfortable leading him to give you a weak/predictable attack/return.

If i know that person is used to push back a lot I will push and preparing to loop.
And if I know that opponent has strong open ups I will try to loop/flick the serve to gain an initiative first and get in to the rally.

 

[Aizen]

It depends on:

• Placement (short, mid-long, middle, wide-bh, wide-fh)
• Speed and spin of ball
• Opponents position (stick on bh corner after serve, or ready to attack on forehand, close or far from table)
• Setup plan for your next attack (expect long push on FH to loop, short push to BH to flick, top spin ball to counter)
• Previous point (opponent can expect same attack)
• Current score (0-0 more room to risk than 10-10)
• Current stamina/energy (safer longer rally or quicker finish)
• your strengths (FH or BH loop, smash, push, side wiping etc)
• opponent's strength
• etc, etc.

my favorites: short push to FH, flip to BH long

But the ideal is this one like WCQ: