Serve return

Sasha Savic Asked 10 years ago

Hi, Alois

I hope you didn't spend too much painkillers for a headache I probably gave you with my neverending questions about long pimples :). I am doing fine with pimples, your tips are great, as usual. Now I have some issues related to inverted rubber.

1. When my right handed opponent serves pendulum or reverse pendulum sidespin serve down the line, standing on his backhand side, of course, I have trouble to return it. Those short serves on my forehand really bug me, can you help me how to return those serves, because the ball usually goes away from the table

2. Recently I talked to a experienced player and he told me that I should use my forehand topspin more, instead of chopping, because this can change the pace of the game, and make the attacker confused. There is one move, called scooping, or fishing, that I am interested in.

Chen Weixing does it a lot, here it is at 00:24

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IWVhMLfEyM

Can you tell me how this is done, what are the key points?

Thanks

Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

Hi Sasha,

To return the serve short on the forehand, make sure you are moving your right foot close to the ball.  This will give you better position to make the stroke.  I often like to also think about getting your nose close to the ball.  This will force you closer and give you better control over the stroke.

THe forehand topspin is an important stroke to play and to use as much as possible.  If you get an opportunity to play it in a rally, take it.

Chen Weixing's shot is a "fishing" shot.  It is basically a low topspin played from far away from the table.  Don't try to put too much pace on the ball but rather focus on keeping the ball low with topspin.