Return short topspin serve to forehand

Hi Alois,

I've found a particular serve very difficult to return safely - the short heavy topspin to the forehand side.

Not many people serve this ball well, but I've met 2 who can get me every time with it. I just can't flick it without giving the server a lollipop to attack, I can't push it, and it's far too short for me to drive or loop. Whenever I try to flick it, I am unable to close the face of my bat when I extend my wrist back, so the ball goes up. I reviewed your video for the flick again because it's been a true pearl for me with dealing with the short backspin serve. But still, this movement is not in my wrist.

Also, I just can't understand why I have no problem with this serve on my backhand ?? Does it mean my grip is not neutral ?

What are your thoughts on this serve?

Hi Lawrence,

The flick is the best answer.  It may be your grip that is the problem or think about just rotating your forearm forward so that you are coming over the ball.

Let me know how that goes.