detecting different types of spin on the serve

Hello Ping Skills team,

I am very glad about your brilliant and helpful work, I have learned so much by watching your videos on youtube.

My question is, how can I detect quickly the kind of spin created by the opponent on the serve? Like topsin, no spin, back spin.... because i noticed that the view when playing is front, so we don`t have  depth view of the ball. I know that topspin when touch the table, it sneeze forwardly and back spin goes back, but there is some good players that makes me doubt about it, looks very similar.

thanks

willian

Hi Willian,

This is a big part of table tennis.

Receiving serve is difficult initially.  You need to watch the ball very carefully and track what is happening.

You also need to build up a database of information in your brain of what happens when you hit the ball back and where it goes.  Watch not only the serve but also watch carefully where the ball goes when you return it even if it misses the table.  This is vital information that is often ignored because we are too disappointed about missing the return.

We will be making a DVD on receiving serve.  Until then, take a look at some of the past questions on receiving serve.You can also do a search on the Ask the Coach section for any topic of question you want.