Returning a Topspin Sidespin Tomahawk Serve

rajesh jha Asked 12 years ago

Hi coach,

One of my opponents serves a tomahawk topspin sidespin serve from his forehand corner. I am totally unable to keep this ball on table. What should i do?

Thanks,

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Rajesh,

To return this serve you need to come over the ball to counteract the topspin. You also need to angle your bat to your right to counter the sidespin on the ball. It may take a little experimenting to get the angle just right but if you keep working on it you will get there. Don't try to do too much with the return. Just let the angle of your bat work for you.

Experiment to see whether it is easier for you to return it with your forehand or backhand. See which feels like a more comfortable angle for you to have your bat on.

← Service Return Tenergy 05 on Pingskills Touch →

Justin Lance Posted 12 years ago

The most common ways that people receive this serve when I do it are:

-loop (if it comes long)

-block (for a short serve)

-flick (more so of a tap. Just return the ball low and hope the returned spin will make it difficult for the server)

Just whatever you do, don't chop it :D

Federick Yam Posted 12 years ago

I also have difficulty in return the tomohawk services. I will try this.

Federick Yam

Siddhartha Raja Posted 12 years ago

i am not a premium member so please tell me what is in this video

Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

Hi Siddhartha,

It gives a visual representation of Alois' original answer above.