How to return fast serves

Hi Alois,

So I have a bit of a problem with returning serves. If my opponent does a fast serve, I have trouble returning it. I am usually close to the table so I can return short serves but the fast serves bounce at the end of the table and It kind of surprises me and my reactions are not too quick or I just hit the ball off the table. I wanted to ask you how can I get better success in returning fast topspin serves.

Greetings from Pakistan!

Hi Saifullah,

You could try having your receiving position just a little further back from the table.  This will give you a little more time for the longer ball.  I find stepping forward is a little easier because you have a bit more time as well and stepping forward always seems a little easier to m Ethan stepping backwards.

The other thing that will help is how well you can watch the ball from as soon as your opponent has the ball in their hand and tosses it up.  If you can track the ball well you will be surprosed at how much extra time you will seem to have.