Reflexes

Pranav Unknown Asked 16 years ago

Hi,

I am a beginner and my coach has this very fast serve, which goes right at the corner of the backhand side .  I am not able to return it successfully. It always goes to the net or I just completely miss it.

Are my reflexes slow, or is the serve too hard to face. If my reflexes are slow, HOW can I make it fast?

Thanks

Alois Rosario Answered 16 years ago

Hi Pranav,

This can be a difficult serve for many people.

Firstly be ready to move a little to get good position to hit that backhand.  A fast flat serve often has the same effect as backspin of dragging the return into the net.  Think about lifting this shot up almost vertically, like you are lifting backspin. If you can brush the ball finely to lift it over the net.

Good luck returing the serve.

It probably isn't a problem with reflexes.  If you are ready for this serve and move into position it will be easier.  To get faster you need to watch the ball a lot more closely.  This will give you that split second more time to react.