How to return light spin serves

Jasper Low Asked 5 months ago

Hi , recently I played a match where my opponent was serving mostly less sidespin or less backspin. During the match I was trying to lift the spin when there isn't any to lift. I think it's the subtleness of the serve that really got me. How do you tackle light spin serves that are deceptive?

Alois Rosario Answered 5 months ago

Hi Jasper,

Dealing with light spin serves, especially the ones that are subtle and deceptive, can indeed be tricky! Here are a few tips to help you tackle these types of serves more effectively:

Start by observing your opponent's racket movement and contact closely during their serve. Subtle little gestures might give away hints about the type of spin or the lack thereof.  When the spin is minimal, you don't need a dramatic compensation with your bat angle. Keep your bat angle relatively neutral. This way, you avoid overcompensating for spin that isn’t there.

The deceptive nature of light spin serves can disrupt your rhythm, so it's important to stay calm and maintain a ready position. By staying balanced and poised, you can adapt your stroke as needed based on the actual play. Ask a training partner to simulate light spin serves during practice sessions. The more you train against these serves, the better you’ll become at identifying and reacting to them during matches.  Often, simply placing the ball well on your returns can be more effective than trying to add your own spin or speed. Aim to return the serve confidently in a manner that positions you advantageously for the next shot.