Returning Half Long Balls
Strokes and Technique
Ian Costello Asked 13 years ago
Hi, Alois.
Can you answer this please?
When I return a half long serve, I have trouble liftting the ball with a slow spinny loop, so I push the ball, but I'm a attacking player, so the next ball I need to lift because my opponent pushes the ball often, causing it difficult to hit a strong topspin, and I hit it into the net. Is there a way to make a difficult return for my opponent? I flick it [but that is tough], or should I hit a slow sppiny loop low over the net?
Thanks Guys,
Ian.
Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago
HI Ian,
The slow spinny loop is the best option. If the ball only bounces once then use the loop whenever possible.
If you push and they push the next ball then again make sure you get into a position to topspin.
Thoughts on this question
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Ian Costello Posted 13 years ago
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 13 years ago
Ian Costello Posted 13 years ago
What about if it's barely long, can I push with heavy backspin?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 13 years ago
If it is long it is long. So that means even if the second bounce is just off the table you should attempt to make a topspin stroke.
This can be difficult to master but it is what you should be aiming for.
Ian Costello Posted 13 years ago
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 13 years ago
Ilia Minkin Posted 9 years ago
>The slow spinny loop is the best option. If the ball only bounces once then use the loop whenever possible.
What if a half-long serve has topspin on it? Is slow spinny loop still viable option? I find flipping and power looping this kind of balls really awkward.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago
With topspin you can drive more forward on your topspin.
Abdul Raqueeb Posted 9 years ago
you guys rock
well done and keep it up
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago
Thanks Abdul.
eugene lu Posted 6 years ago
I'm also having trouble with this stroke. Some half long balls are VERY close to the edge of the table and I'm very afraid that the bat might hit the table and break. Also, these balls are difficult to hit if you take it too late as it will hit the edge of the table and you lose the point.
How can I overcome these two problems?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 6 years ago
Hi Eugene,
If you are worried, take the ball earlier over the table and make a push or flick.