Getting the ball over the net with Pendulum serve
Serving
Anthony Tran Asked 9 years ago
Hi Alois,
I am currently learning the sidespin pendulum serve. The ball curves very well, however, I can't get the ball over the net! The ball curves on my side of the table. I think my technique is incorrect so could you give me advice on how to correct this?
Thanks
Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago
Hi Anthony,
Try to alter the swing of your serve. Get the bat moving more forward rather than to the side and this will give you more forward momentum and therefore get the ball further and hopefully over the net.
You can also just flatten out the contact slightly which will also give the ball more forward speed.
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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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Anthony Tran Posted 9 years ago
Hi Alois,
Thank you for your advice, however, the ball only comes over the net rarely. Most of the time it still curves on my side of the table, Thaand when it comes over the next, it doesn't really make a good curve. I read in a book that you should 'snap' the wrist and forearm to create maximum acceleration. What do they mean by 'snapping' the wrist?
Yes snapping the wrist will help. If you think of the wrist and forearm like a whip and whip it through.