pendulum serve returns

Arnab Ghosh Asked 13 years ago

I should probably apologize first because this particular topic has been answered numerous times. But it is really hard to grasp. Alois said in a video that the best way to return a pendulum serve is to make the bat act like a rudder. I agree completely. Referring to another video, where he addressed on how to return a short backspin serve, he said to use the flick shot i.e. hit the ball in the side area. I would like to ask if it will help if I return the pendulum serve by hitting it in the top or bottom part of the ball as in a push shot etc.

Like a backspin serve is hit in the side, can I return a sidespin serve by a push?

Sincerely,

Arnab. 

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Arnab,

You can use the flick for a short backspin serve but the best idea is a push. 

I think the video you are referring to is the sidespin backhand flick.  This is a very advanced shot.  You should stay with the push first and make sure you can keep it under control before trying to do the sidespin flick. 

You can return a sidespin and backspin serve with a push.  If the ball has sidespin and topspin then the best idea is a flick.

You can also get a copy of Receiving Secrets Revealed DVD which will help you a lot with the principles of receiving.