Receiving a low Sidespin/Topspin serve

Cris Sims Asked 12 years ago

Hi! I have encountered another challenge. I had a match with a friend and I realized that I find it so hard when he serves that right after the ball hits my side of the table, it jumps out just near the edge. An additional challenge is that it is served at relatively the minimum height and has a side-spin and at times a topspin on the ball.

When I give it a push, it flies high for him to strike for the win; When I topspin the ball as it's flight peaks, it goes outside the other end of the table; When I topspin the ball as it goes down, the ball hits the edge when i hit it; lastly, when i tried a vertical topspin on it, though it landed on the other side, he could easily find a way to smash it. 

But thanks to you and your videos, I still won the match but really found it very difficult..I would really appreciate your help as I know I'm doing something here the wrong way. Thanks very much!

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Cris,

It sounds like the ball has some topspin.  In this case, you can hit through the ball more.  Even flick the ball.  If you topspin it you should go forward with the stroke as you don't need to lift the ball because it already has topspin on it.

Even though the serve is low you don't need to lift it.  Hit through it and just allow for the sidespin on the ball.

Good to hear you are doing well with the matches and being able to overcome the issue anyway.