Reading the spin during opponent's service

Hi there coach, I am currently having troubles in reading the serves of some of my opponents. The serve of my opponent looks a lot like side spin, but as soon as I received it, I realized that it was back spin. Are there any ways on how I can accurately read the spin of the ball other than just looking at the contact? and what is the difference of the bounce of the ball and its speed between side spin and back spin serves. thanks in advance

Hi Wayne,

It is such a difficult part of the game to start with.

The backspin ball will hold up a little more than the sidespin.  Also you will start to recognise different flight paths of the different spins.  The sidespin will have more curve and the backspin will come through straighter.

We have a lot of information on this for our Premium members in our Receiving Secrets series.