Returning sidespin backspin serve
Service Return
Sasha Savic Asked 11 years ago
Hi, Pingskills
First, I must say, Alois, your tip was great, about flat push, and it works. But, I have another issue here. There is a guy who has nasty backhand side spin backspin serve. It is a backhand serve, and he is right handed and serves towards my forehand. Several times I tried to return with LP, and the ball goes into the net, it is too low. However, it is long, and, when I try to attack with forehand, the ball goes into the net. How to return such a serve, should I go with backhand, forehand, topspin, give me an advice. Thank you
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Sasha,
Glad the other advice has helped.
In this situation, go with a forehand topspin. You will need to lift the ball with a more vertical stroke to counter the backspin on the ball. Make sure you are moving over to the ball so that you are getting into a good position to make the stroke. The sidespin will be taking the ball away from you so moving is also a key.
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Erriza Shalahuddin Posted 11 years ago
Hi, coach. I'd like to ask a question. Can I used topspin-sidespin stroke (hook/fade) to attack my opponent's long backspin-sidespin stroke? I think I found that sidespin severely increase the effect of the backspin on the ball, and maybe my sidespin can decrease this effect.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Erriza,
This is a reasonable option especially if the ball is curving away from you and you make a hook.
Sasha Savic Posted 11 years ago
Hi, Alois
One little thing is still bothering me. Let me remind you: you told me to push flat when my opponent serves backspin, side spin, or combination. And to hold my bat vertical, similar like in your video Backhand Push. But, I have trouble when the ball is low, because, it goes to the net. And, when the ball is short, especially low, I cannot place my bat that way. So, my question is, do I start right then with my bat vertical, or, start horizontal and then get it to a vertical position? Thank you
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
On these balls you can just tilt your bat back slightly to get the ball higher and over the net.
Sasha Savic Posted 11 years ago
Yes, I totally understand that. Your advice certainly improved my game, so, I can be good defensive player, but, if someone tries to defend against me, I have option to attack, especially with long pimple. People sometimes get frustrated with the balls I send them. However, and, maybe I am a little bit boring with this, but I want to know as much as possible. You see, I have watched players like Joo Se Hyuk, Chen Weixing, and they don't use so much those offensive techniques. Joo usually pushes under the ball, or just flat returns, but, mostly with his blade horizontal. Why don't they attack so much, they certainly have quality rubbers and they are especially highly trained players. The way you told me to return the serves, my defense becomes also an attacking shot, so why those guys use this so rarely? See ya
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
They are not getting a lot of straight backspin serves that they can attack easily. Also at that level the flat attack ball will be able to be attacked.
Sasha Savic Posted 11 years ago
Yes, I see, of course, they are also playing against top players. But, what should I do more often, because I also don't get straight backspin, should I proceed like you told me, should I play the way they are playing. I know it is a matter of strategy, and every situation is different, but, with all this on my mind, I get confused. I also don't want to be attacked after my return. That is why I want to learn more. So, what to do, to play your way, with flat contact, or sometimes to imitate their returns, what do you propose? Thanks
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
I would try both and it is absolutely true that you need to see against each player what works well.