Clarification on receiving deep spinny serves

Table Tennis Service Return

Last updated 11 years ago

richard henderson

richard henderson Asked 11 years ago

I'm a bit confused in watching some of the videos.  When receiving a deep spinny serve, is the ultimate goal to develop the ability to hit pure topspin to counter the spin, or do you still have to incorporate the appropriate shift in bat angle to cope with the spin?  I am really happy with your product, just a little confused.  Thanks....


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Richard,

Ultimately if you get a really fast brushing contact the angle of your blade won't matter as much.  The friction that you put on the ball will get the ball travelling in the direction you want it rather than the direction the incoming spin wants it to.

Initially though it is important to understand the angles because it is difficult to get that fast brushing action consistently to start with.

Glad you are benefiting from the site.


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Thoughts on this question

Abhiram Reddy

Abhiram Reddy Posted 11 years ago

So should I make the topspin with an angled racket appropriate to the sidespin on the ball.For example when an opponent serves a reverse pendulum long  to me I am able to overcome the topspin/backspin component but the sidespin drags it outside.How should I make my topspin in this scenario?I am ultimately unable to effectively control the placement of the ball and where the ball lands depends upon the sidespin especially with my forehand.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

Try to have your bat angled to the right to counter the sidespin on the Reverse Pendulum serve.


Paul Yuan

Paul Yuan Posted 11 years ago

This is a good question. If the ball at my forehand, I always try to do a slow vertical loop. But if the ball at my backhand, I am not able to make a slow vertical loop by my backhand (curve loop). If I make a fast topspin, the chance will be 50 to 50. This is a skill I have tried to get it for two months now. 

Alois, any idea for me? 

Thank you!


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

Hi Paul I think you just have to persevere.  See if you can get a finer brushing action and more vertical stroke.  This takes a bit of time to get it right because of the very fine contact.



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