how 2 receive a heavy sidespin short serve?
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Daniel Said Asked 15 years ago
Hi,
I had a tournament today and lost with a guy that had a good sidespin short serve as I couldnt get his serve back on the table. How can i receive it back next time?
Daniel
Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago
Hi Daniel,
Watch carefull what happens to the ball when it hits your bat. Then use your bat as a rudder next time to counter the direction of the ball.
Some other tips are to keep your hand soft and relaxed. Keep your grip very loose. Thi swill absorb some of the spin.
Learning to receive serve is a long and sometimes frustrating process!
Thoughts on this question
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Ji-Soo Woo Posted 15 years ago
Gerrit Unknown Posted 15 years ago
I had someone help me with this the other day at the club. There are a number of ways to answer a short sidespin serve, but it takes quick reaction and quick positioning.
Alois's answer will give you the safest return. Take note of the spin and direct your paddle like a rudder in the opposite direction of the spin.
If the ball is wide enough to your forehand a riskier answer is a forehand flip/flick, but this is hard to master. The same applies to your backhand, but this also is risky as a prepared player can throw the ball right back at your face while you're still over the table.
A final way to answer, which in my opinion is the hardest of all is to sweep your paddle in the opposite direction of the spin. This negates the spin and also can enable you to return the ball VERY short, giving you a very clear advantage. Again, this is extremely difficult to master (I haven't been successful with it myself, but I was made to practice it).
Final word: Do what Coach says :D