Question re: returning long sidespin serve

Hi Alois

While I await your Return of Serve DVD, I had a specific question.

In doubles, I normally position myself ready for a FH and I try to loop anything long.

I find that when the serve is hit with sidespin that makes the ball curve TOWARDS me, then it is easy to really brush the ball and to generate heaps of top/side spin.

However, when the ball is hit with sidespin that makes the ball curve AWAY from me, I tend to hit it quite flat which reduces the arc on the return and therefore makes it a lower percentage shot.

Could you provide some advice on things I could/should be doing and adjusting in order to be able to generate spin on my loops for ALL sidespin?

Thanks

Ji-Soo

Hi Ji-Soo (AKA resident physicist),

This is a common problem.  Firstly, think about trying to get closer to the ball for the serve that is spinning away from you.  I find that thinking about getting my nose closer to the ball works best.

Secondly, watch the flight of the ball closely and feel why the one that is going away from you feels awkward.  Think about how you would like it to feel.

Thirdly, it may be that the contact is the only problem, so focus on this contact and thinking about getting that brushing action.