Receiving
Hi, i've got problem returning a side-topspin serve. When the ball is in the middle, not too close to the net and not bouncing off the table, I don't know how to return it. If I flick , it end up hitting the net. Can you give advice on this? And is it possible to flick a heavy backspin serve when it is in the middle off the table and its low?
Hi Martin,
I would continue to flick this return but think about the angle of your bat. If the ball is going into the net, then open the angle of your bat more. You can also think about waiting till the ball is at the top of the bounce so you get a bigger margin for error over the net.
It is possible but difficult to flick a heavy backspin serve. You are better off to push it back short. This will give your opponent a difficult ball to deal with and try to attack.
Question actions
Struggling to return spin serves? You're not alone! In this video, we break down how to read spin, adjust your bat angle, and return serves effectively—so you stop giving away easy points.
🔹 Skill Breakdown: How to identify different types of spin and adjust your return technique.
🔹 Common Mistakes: The biggest errors players make when returning spin serves—and how to fix them fast!
🔹 Viewer Q&A: Answering your top questions about handling tricky spin serves.
🔹 Train Smarter: Drills to help you practice and improve your serve returns.
Mastering serve returns is one of the fastest ways to level up your table tennis game. Try these tips and let us know in the comments: What’s the toughest spin serve you face?
Watch NowBecome a free member to post a comment about this question.
yong chen Posted 14 years ago
Oh ya Alois why is a heavy backspin short ball much harder to flick?n how do i improve my receive with my opponent serve those balls?