Serving
Hi coach!
Whenever I try to execute the Ma Lin ghost serve when no one is around it is very spinny. When I play in front of my opponent, the serve is 50% less spinny and sometimes doesn't make it over the net because I'm very nervous. Is there a way to fix this problem?
Hi Toby,
Focus on keeping your hand and fingers relaxed when doing the serve with others watching. Try to focus on this as well when there is nobody around and feel what your hand and fingers feel like and then tune in to those same feelings when you get under pressure.
When there is nobody around also put yourself under some pressure. Challenge yourself to getting 3 good serves in a row. Then keep extending the challenge.
The contact is the key and as soon as there is a bit of tension in your hand you will tend to change the contact.
The kicker serve is one of our "must learn" serves. It's fast, fun, and has lots of topspin. It can be dangerous because if it's not fast enough and if you don't surprise your opponent then they may be able to attack it forcefully putting you on the defensive straight away. Used well though, and sparingly, it can be a great weapon. It can win you a point outright and it will stop your opponent from standing over the table waiting for your short serves since they need to be ready for anything.
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toby kim Posted 4 years ago
Thank you for the tip, it really works!
Excellent. Glad it helped.