A professional flat serve?

Table Tennis General

Last updated 14 years ago

Brian Unknown

Brian Unknown Asked 14 years ago

Have you ever seen, or used yourself, a long flat serve on a consistent basis? I never see this in professional play -- mostly the pendulum short serve. Is it possible to play professionally with only a flat serve?

Jeff Plumb

Jeff Plumb Answered 14 years ago

Hi Brian,

Professional players will occasionally serve a long fast serve but this will be used as a surprise tactic. If you always serve long and flat, your opponent will always be able to get the first attack in and you will always be on the defensive.

If you serve 100% of your serves short, then your opponent will know what to expect, that is why it is a good idea to serve some long serves, just to keep your opponent guessing.

Take a look at our lesson on Serve Placement. This will help you understand the good and bad areas to serve to. 


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