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Short balls are notoriously difficult to negotiate. A short ball bounces for the first time a bit away from you. If you do not have good experience, it will bounce a second time before leaving the table. The frustrating thing about a short ball is that you cannot accurately judge its nature before it's too late. A good tactic is to watch your opponent! The way he moves his racket to deliver you the short ball gives some idea of what kind of short ball is coming at you.
Watch the stroke of your opponent carefully. If he has given the short ball a 'wicked' spin, just negotiate your stroke with minimal pressure (to create a 'cushioning effect) on the ball. Hit the ball softly but firmly. The ball you send back will carry some of that wicked spin.
If the short ball is tame - that is, not much spin - hit it HARD with a flick of your wrist. Take your shot as the ball begins to move up. This will take your opponent by surprise. Never forget to keep up the pressure on your opponent. Don't give him time. This will be to your advantage.
If you see a short ball come at you hard - that is, with speed - block it. Do this firmly. This will send the ball crashing into your opponent's court. If possible, press just enough into the ball as it rises send it flashing back.
My favorite is ATTACKING the short ball. This is risky, though. The shot can go out of control. But, with experience, you will enjoy taking risks. However, ALWAYS respect the wicked spin. Never attack a viciously forward spinning short ball - unless you are crazy! Speed is easier to manage than spin.
Another short ball is a chopped ball. This carries some backward spin. Return that ball by chopping it yourself. Play safe. Be sure to give the chopped ball its due respect. Once you gain experience, you can return chopped balls harder - by giving it a kind of soft flicking action.
The short ball that is 'dead' is rather easier to negotiate. A dead ball lacks momentum, speed and spin. Give it a searing flick, if possible. In other words, create pressure on your opponent.
Short balls can be notorious for sending your racket's rubber crunching into the top edge of the table, if you are not careful. This might ruin your rubber or just damage it slightly - depends on how lucky you are. If spending on replacing your rubber is not a problem, play freely. After all, you learn really well by playing freely.
