Attacking a Long Serve with Topspin
Receiving
martin k Asked 7 years ago
Hi,
I noticed that I have issues with attacking long serves with a topspin. Quite often I hit the ball with the edge of my racket and sometimes I miss it entirely. If I hit it, it too often goes into the net. This could be on attacking just a plain topspin serve with my forehand. Just counterhitting it back with a forehand drive (flatter hit) usually works fine. In addition, for some reason I am a bit more successful if it is a long backspin serve, but the same applies :( The serves I receive vary in placement, but this is hard even when playing doubles and the serve is near the midline.
Any advice on how to get more successful topspin returns?
Jeff Plumb Answered 7 years ago
Hi Martin,
This can be tricky especially if the ball comes fast. I think just to get some confidence you can do what is working which is to counterhit the ball back. When doing this try to place the ball well to make it harder for your opponent. As you gain confidence try to gradually increase the length of your stroke. By doing this you can start to build up to a faster topspin.
Take a look at this video on attacking plain topspin serves for more inspiration! :)
Recommended Video
Judging the Length of a Serve
A really important skill in table tennis is to be able to judge if a serve will be short or long. If it's short you won't be able to take a full swing at the ball and hence will need to use either a push or a flick to return the ball. However, if it is coming long then you can make a topspin attack. In this video we give you some tips to help you judge the length of the serve and hopefully this makes you a better returner.
Watch NowThoughts on this question
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martin k Posted 7 years ago
Thanks, this is more inline with what I am doing already, I just do not always give it enough focus and thought :) Excellent advice to just keep on building on the blocks you already have. I will keep this in mind.
Excellent. Let us know how you progress Martin.