How do you block a fast serve
Service Return
Chirayu Jain Asked 7 years ago
Hi. I play at the LYTTC Friday league, and it gets very annoying to lose points to a fast, low serve I can't see. Also, how do you quickly come back into position to hit a ball after returning from the far edge? P.S, how can I go and quickly block a serve on the opposite side or where I am?
Jeff Plumb Answered 7 years ago
Hi Chirayu,
We have a great video in our receiving secrets course on position and footwork. You need to be a premium member to watch it but it might be worth signing up for a month to get some good advice on this area plus you'll be able to access all of our premium videos!
Also here is a free video from that course that shows where you should be standing. If you get in the correct position initially you should be able to reach all serves with a single step. From there it's easy to jump back to your original position.
Good luck!
Thoughts on this question
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Johan B Posted 7 years ago
You could do the annoying thing and call him out on not throwing his ball high enough (just guessing)
Rohan Keogh Posted 7 years ago
I play against an opponent 'B' that also serves a fast topspin serve. It is very hard to return. His toss is fine though - at least 300mm, but he leaves the hit until the ball has dropped really low - maybe no more than 100mm above table height. I've always struggled against it and he usually wins 5 or more points from his serve alone, winning easily. I rarely win more than 4 points a game.
After watching the video suggested by Jeff and practicing that against my regular opponent, yesterday I played against B and only missed 2 returns. He still won 11-7 11-8 but that's a 100% improvement for me, just from a better receiving position. Give it a try Chirayu.
Thanks Jeff.
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 7 years ago
Well done Rufuss!