Progressing Pendulum Serve

Serving

Archel Taneka Sutanto
Archel Taneka Sutanto Asked 12 years ago

Hi Alois and Jeff,

First of all, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! :D

Last week, I tried to improve my pendulum and reverse pendulum serve, and it was perfect. I really had the feel to these serves, I also get a lot of spins on them. Just wondering, what practices to make my serve more effective?

Thanks a lot!
Regards, Archel


Alois Rosario
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Archel,

You can progress your serving once you get the feeling that you are able to do the serve consistently.

You could use targets on the table to get your serve more accurate.  Make sure you are still serving with the same spin when you start to aim at the targets.

Some progressions that I like are:

  • Put someone at the other end of the table, just to stand there and catch the ball first.  They can stand in their ready position
  • Then get them to simply return the ball
  • Next get them to return the ball the best they can
  • Now work on playing a 3rd ball off your serve
  • Play some rallies
  • Play some games using these serves
  • Start to use them in competitive matches
  • Use the serve at a crucial time in a competitive match

These are some ways you can progress from having a good serve to having an effective serve that you will be able to use as a weapon when it matters.


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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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