Dealing with a return that has spin

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 13 years ago

Fady Fayek

Fady Fayek Asked 13 years ago

When I send a side spin serve , my opponent returns it to me low side spinny and inside the table and it’s difficult to return it by a top or side spin  what shall I do?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Fady,

This takes practice of course...

When you put sidespin on the serve the push return will turn a little. If you put left to right sidespin on the serve, their push will turn a little right to left when it comes back.

It is important to watch this ball carefully in training and adjust your stroke to the turn. Whether you push or topspin the third ball will depend on how long on the table the return is.  If the return bounces once employ a push.  I wouldn't try to sidespin the next ball.  You will just end up making more errors.

If the ball is long, topspin the third ball allowing for the sidespin.  The faster you brush the ball the less effect the sidespin will have. 


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