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
The Kicker Serve
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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Daniel Lim Posted 10 years ago
Thanks for the advice!