How to take side spin serves

Table Tennis Service Return

Last updated 12 years ago

Akash Stephen

Akash Stephen Asked 12 years ago

Sir, as you guys know that I am your member for more than 2 years. Now I have a serious problem. I cannot receive the side spin serves that my opponent does. guys please make a video and reply.Both reverse side spin and side spin. 

Thanks and Regards,

Akash Stephen


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Akash,

This is a common problem.  The best thing is to just use your bat like a rudder to steer the ball back.  You don't need to move your bat a lot, just get the right angle to return the ball.  If the ball is going off to the right then angle your bat to the left and vice versa.

When you return a ball make sure you watch the ball even when it goes off the table to record in your brain what has happened.  The next time you see this serve you will be a little better at returning it.  Watching is an important part of learning.

We have a lot of instruction on this on our Receiving Secrets lessons.  These go through in great detail with good video instruction on how to make this happen for you.


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Thoughts on this question

trilochan singh

trilochan singh Posted 12 years ago

you can also return the sidespin serve with chop block. Chop the sidespin serve a bit late with aim to return the serve at the middle of the table (keep an eye on the middle white line of the table).

Please correct me Alois if I am wrong.


bertus bertus

bertus bertus Posted 12 years ago

@Trilochan & Akash,


At first, if it works for you, you could do the chop block. However, more advanced opponents don't mind a chop block and will probebly start to attack. So therefor, I think it's better, in time, to learn to attack such serves so you put the pressure on the opponent.

Good luck!



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