Good Serve Etiquette
Serving
Thomas Kunzfeld Asked 10 years ago
Hi Alois,
the first serve that I´m now practicing seriously is the pendulum backspin serve.
It happens quite often that the ball lands softly exactly JUST behind the net.
Recently I played with someone with a whole life of playing experience and this serve won me some points, and he criticized this serve and the points won by it.
Until now I thought: If a serve wins you a point it´s a good serve.
Now I wonder whether there is a kind of unwritten rule that you are not supposed to serve like this.
What do you think?
Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago
Hi Thomas,
This is a good serve and there is no such etiquette. If the serve troubles you opponent and it complies with the rules of the game then it is good.
Often players get grumpy if they face a serve they can’t return.
Recommended Video
The Kicker Serve
The kicker serve is one of our "must learn" serves. It's fast, fun, and has lots of topspin. It can be dangerous because if it's not fast enough and if you don't surprise your opponent then they may be able to attack it forcefully putting you on the defensive straight away. Used well though, and sparingly, it can be a great weapon. It can win you a point outright and it will stop your opponent from standing over the table waiting for your short serves since they need to be ready for anything.
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Thomas Kunzfeld Posted 10 years ago
Thank you - that´s helpful :-)