Ma Lin's Receiving Position

Hi Alois,

Whenever I watch Ma Lin, he positions himself way over to his left to receive the serves.  And yet I never see his opponents serving a fast down-the-line serve away from his body, and out of his reach. 

I ask this because I am also a penhold player and I was wondering where I should position myself to receive service.  How close to the table, and where?

Sorry if the question was too long, but thank you in advance! Devin

Hi Devin,

Ma Lin has exceptional footwork and forehand.  He sets himself up wide on his backhand side before the serve.  If you notice though, a lot of the time, he moves in closer as soon as he sees the ball toss and the server starts his action.

I think for most of us, it is better to set up inside the backhand line.  I think the main thing we can get from Ma Lin is his movement during the service making it easier to move to the ball.