High spin serve return

Hey guys,

As you suggested, I found a club near by and got a chance to play with a few different people tonight.

Most of my time was playing doubles actually, and I found something that bothered me about my technique.

My partner would serve backspin, both short and long, and our opponent would simply counter with their own large amount of backspin short. Even when it had decent bounce height, I messed up most of the time. I am left-handed. I would try to move close to the table and lean over the table and attempt a backhand drive, yet even with good pace it went into the net most of the time. I also noticed that because I am leaning so far forward, all movement for my backhand hit comes from my forearm.

My question is whether I am trying to do the right thing, or what my best option would be in this scenario? Should I have used more wrist? Should i have tried to brush the ball more instead of driving through it? Or should I have just gone with a forehand? Or moved around the table? or a Flick? so many options and I don't have a clue which is best. Please help!

Thanks, Dakota

Hi Dakota,

Firstly congratulations on taking the initiative to join a club.  It will be one of the best things you do for your game.

Regarding the options you have in doubles, the best option is to actually stand on the other side of your partner so that you are in a better position to play your forehand.  From there you can move to your left and your partner will also move left after serving.

If you are faced with the backspin ball, it is probably easiest to push the ball back with backspin.  To do that, open up the angle of your bat and brush under the ball to counter the backspin on the ball.  Even if the ball is  a little higher the push may be the best option when you are moving in to the table.