Returning sidespin/backspin serve
Receiving
eugene lu Asked 9 years ago
Hi Alois,
I found it quite difficult to return a sidespin/backspin serve, because of the awkwardness of the spin. When I try to push it the ball will fly of the the table because of the sidespin . And if I try to steer the ball back on to the table, it ends up in the net because of the backspin. It's like I can only focus on one type of spin. So how do I return this serve.
Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago
Hi Eugene,
Try to think of it as one spin. It is dragging down and sideways so aim to the other extremity. It will soon become natural for you.
For our Premium members we have some nice simple explanations of returning spin in our Receiving Secrets lesson on Reading Spin and Receiving Principles that will help.
Recommended Video
Judging the Length of a Serve
A really important skill in table tennis is to be able to judge if a serve will be short or long. If it's short you won't be able to take a full swing at the ball and hence will need to use either a push or a flick to return the ball. However, if it is coming long then you can make a topspin attack. In this video we give you some tips to help you judge the length of the serve and hopefully this makes you a better returner.
Watch NowThoughts on this question
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eugene lu Posted 9 years ago
So do you mean using a push to impart the backspin then drag the ball to the opposite side of where the sidespin intend to make the ball go?
You can aim upwards and then to the opposite direction to where the spin wants to drag it. Rather than drag it across, just use the angle of your racket to aim to the side.