Backhand serve
Serving
Kathleen Allen Asked 5 years ago
I am just learning how to serve properly and am having a much easier time with the backhand than with the forehand serve. Another player has told me that I am wasting my time learning the backhand serve and that I should switch exclusively to the forehand serve, even though I am having major difficulties mastering the forehand serve. I am improving steadily on my backhand serve. My plan was to get a really good backhand serve, and then start working again on my forehand serve. Does that sound reasonable to you, or do you think I should take my friend's advice and ditch the backhand serve?
Thanks.
Alois Rosario Answered 5 years ago
Hi Kathleen,
I would stay with the Backhand serve but start developing the Forehand serve as well. You can work on both.
You can tend to get more spin with the Forehand serve but a Backhand serve can also be effective, especially if it is something you are comfortable with.
Recommended Video
The Kicker Serve
The kicker serve is one of our "must learn" serves. It's fast, fun, and has lots of topspin. It can be dangerous because if it's not fast enough and if you don't surprise your opponent then they may be able to attack it forcefully putting you on the defensive straight away. Used well though, and sparingly, it can be a great weapon. It can win you a point outright and it will stop your opponent from standing over the table waiting for your short serves since they need to be ready for anything.
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Kathleen Allen Posted 5 years ago
Thanks for your advice. I took your advice and found that, after working so hard on my backhand serve, when I tried my forehand serve again it was easier than before!
Brilliant!