Returning a long slow spiny topspin serve

Receiving

Abhinav Upadhyay
Abhinav Upadhyay Asked 11 years ago

Hi Alois and Jeff,

Sometimes I tend to have difficulty in returning serves which are long but slow and have lots of top spin on them. If I go and try to play forehand top spin on them, they hit the top edge of my bat and fly away, I think it is because of the bounce caused by the top spin on the ball. What do you suggest?


Alois Rosario
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Abhinav,

The topspin will cause the ball to bounce a little higher.  On these serves it is better to open the angle of your bat and hit through the ball more rather than lifting it.  The more open face of the racket will mean that you are less likely to hit the edge of the bat.


Recommended Video

How to Return the Pendulum and Reverse Pendulum Serves

The pendulum and reverse pendulum serves are two of the most commonly used and deceptive serves in table tennis. In this video, we’ll break down the key differences between these serves and discuss strategies for returning them effectively. You’ll learn the basic principles of serve return, including how to read spin, adjust your positioning, and respond confidently to different variations of these tricky serves. Whether you're facing these serves in a match or looking to improve your overall return game, this video will help you take your skills to the next level. Watch now and master the art of returning pendulum and reverse pendulum serves!

Watch Now

Thoughts on this question


Abhinav Upadhyay

Abhinav Upadhyay Posted 11 years ago

Thanks Alois. I will try with a more open faced bat. 

Wish you and Jeff a very happy new year. :)


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

Thanks Abhinav.


faris hussain

faris hussain Posted 10 years ago

Wow! My arch rival does long topspin serve. Thanks Alois:-)


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago

No problems Faris.


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