Pace of the serve
Serving
Daniel Lim Asked 10 years ago
Hi Coaches,
How can I maximize the effects of spin while serving (especially sidespin)? Getting the right contact and brushing motion is important as I realized but if I wish to maximize sidespin on the serve should the velocity of the ball be important as well? Would a sidespin serve with more pace cause more problems than a slow spinny sidespin serve?
-Daniel
Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago
Hi Daniel,
A faster serve will hit your opponent's bat faster and therefore be harder to control for them. However, if the ball is long then it allows your opponent to attack the serve. The key is to try and get the ball to move fast and still have two bounces on the table. this is a difficult balancing act.
Take a look at our lesson on Learn How To Serve Short & Fast in our ask the Coach Video responses.
Recommended Video
5 Essential Serve Strategies in Table Tennis
Serving in table tennis is about much more than just getting the ball into play; it's about setting the pace, controlling the game, and exploiting your opponent's weaknesses from the very first touch. In This Video, You'll Discover:
- The Danger Zone: Learn why serving to your opponent’s comfort zone is a mistake and where you should aim instead.
- Wide Serves: Understand the tactical advantage of serving wide and how it can open up the table for your next shot.
- Targeting Weaknesses: Tips on identifying and exploiting your opponent's weaker side with precision serves.
- Varying Your Serve Position: The benefits of serving from different positions and how it can confuse and unbalance your opponent.
- The Crossover Point: How to target the elusive crossover point (the transition between forehand and backhand) to force errors or weak returns.
Watch Now
Thoughts on this question
Become a free member to post a comment about this question.
Daniel Lim Posted 10 years ago
Thanks for the advice!