Reading and Returning Side spin

Receiving

Harendra Sahu
Harendra Sahu Asked 8 years ago

Hi Sir,

I am able to read and return backspin nicely. However reading and returning side spin is always a trouble. 

  • I don't know how to place the bat in case of side spin in order to hit controlled shot that server cant take (Specially in case of left hand player. I think bat angle in case of left hand is exactly opposite to right hand)
  • The problem of direction of the bat doubles when there is a left handed TT player opponent ( I am a right hand plyaer and can easily read right hand)


Alois Rosario
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Hi Harendra,

The principles are the same as returning from a right hander.

The key is getting enough practice against a left hander's serve.  Because you haven't seen that serve very often you are finding it more difficult.

Find a left hander and get them to serve to you as often as you can.


Recommended Video

How to Return Spin Serves in Table Tennis (and Stop Misreading Them!)

Struggling to return spin serves? You're not alone! In this video, we break down how to read spin, adjust your bat angle, and return serves effectively—so you stop giving away easy points.

What You'll Learn:

🔹 Skill Breakdown: How to identify different types of spin and adjust your return technique.
🔹 Common Mistakes: The biggest errors players make when returning spin serves—and how to fix them fast!
🔹 Viewer Q&A: Answering your top questions about handling tricky spin serves.
🔹 Train Smarter: Drills to help you practice and improve your serve returns.

Mastering serve returns is one of the fastest ways to level up your table tennis game. Try these tips and let us know in the comments: What’s the toughest spin serve you face?

Watch Now

Thoughts on this question


Harendra Sahu

Harendra Sahu Posted 8 years ago

Thanks a lot  sir for answering my question. Could you please guide how to read side spin and how to tilt the TT bat to take the spin properly.

 

 


Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 8 years ago

Hi Harendra,

It may take time but adjusting the angle means just tilting it one way or the other to counteract the spin.

We have a good section on the site that will really help, the Receiving Secrets section which is part of our Premium membership.  This goes through the principles that I mentioned above.


Become a free member to post a comment about this question.