Now, here are some tactics about attacking in Minecraft
Jump and hit a person or mob as that has a high chances of critical. Sprinting then attacking the mob will give knockback, useful against creepers. Don't try to jump and punch a mob as that will deal no critical, for some reasons.
Knock enderman on the legs as that is the only part when hit, the enderman will not teleport.
Useful enchantments against mobs:
Creeper--Kockback
                If your sword has high knockback, the creeper will be hit further away than normal, thus                               preventing the creeper from exploding.
               
                Sharpness
                It has an advantage over all mobs, but use it correctly against creepers! Kill it before it kills you                     and you find a screen with two buttons to respawn or quit to title.