Dimitrij ovtcharov backhand serve

Serving

Jasper Low
Jasper Low Asked 4 years ago

I noticed these few days that dimitrij ovcharov has developed a backhand serve that seems quite simple to read. I thought the top players are most likely gonna crunch through that serve but somehow he actually disrupts their momentum quite well. What's happening there? 


Alois Rosario
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 4 years ago

Hi Jasper,

It is a serve he has used for a long time. It looks simple but he gets some good variation and angles on the serve to make it difficult.

He generates a lot of spin and deception with the extreme turn that he gets.

We have a tutorial on it.  Take a look at the Ovtcharov serve tutorial.


Recommended Video

Legal and Effective Serves for Beginners

Serving effectively while staying within the rules is crucial to improving your table tennis game. In this video, we simplify the essential serving rules you need to know and share tips to add pace and precision to your serves. Whether you're a beginner or looking to fine-tune your skills, this guide will help you master serves that are both legal and powerful.

Watch Now

Thoughts on this question


Jasper Low

Jasper Low Posted 4 years ago

I think u thought i was talking about his signature backhand serve?....


Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 4 years ago

Yes Jasper.  I haven't seen a new serve.


Jasper Low

Jasper Low Posted 4 years ago

Well he has a new serve but he doesn't really use it that much 


Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 4 years ago

Ah yes, I have seen it in his match against Ma Long at the World Cup.  It is a very basic backspin serve but he puts the ball over very low and makes it difficult to attack.  He also has little speed on it which means that the receiver has to generate the speed to make a strong shot.  He uses it when he is down and needs a change up.

Sometimes the simple can be effective even at the highest level if it is a change and something that your opponent isn't ready for.


Become a free member to post a comment about this question.