Returning Long Sidespin Serve

Harikrishnan U Asked 12 years ago

Hi Alois and Jeff,

My question is how do I return a long sidespin serve. Should I topspin/attack or chop it?

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Hari,

The best thing is to try to topspin it. This will give you a better position in the rally.

You just need to make sure you are adjusting for the sidespin on the ball.

← Forehand Chop off heavy topspin Serve Penhold play shakehand →

Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

Hi Harikrishnan,

Take a look at this previous question on returning a long sidespin serve which has a video response. I think it will help you out.

Harikrishnan U Posted 12 years ago

thanks a lot , it helped a lot!

thefastestt thefastestt Posted 11 years ago

Hi I'm new here. I have watched the video response.(It was good) But in the video, the long sidespin shots wasn't long such that it touched the white lines(or the edge there) of the table. I realise many balls near the edge of the table have different effects when hit with the same way we use to hit normal balls. It always goes out, or touches the net when I play it a little more conservative. So, how do you take long sidespin SERVES on the white line of the table?(Normally topspins it as well)

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

Hi,

The length of the ball will determine where you position yourself to play the shot. If the ball is further back on the white line, you can move slightly further back and then play the same stroke. You can jump back and be balanced as you see the ball coming that little bit longer.

If you do get caught too close to the table, then make a more vertical shorter stroke. This will also get the ball on the table but wonlt get as much power as if you step back and give yourself more space.