Service return

Mohit karda Asked 11 years ago

Hi guys,

1) This is with reference to return a serve that is side spinning away from me towards my forehand while playing doubles.My default position to return is always with backhand ,but it becomes very difficult to return a side spin going towards my right hand side with the B/H as the ball just goes out, with the spin. I tried using my F/H for it, and I think that is the right way to go about such serves, but I still counter the same problem.  The ball just keeps going out with the spin.mmI have tried angling my bat to counter the spin but not with consistent success.mmCould you guys put up a video just to show how to handle this particular sort of serve?

2) I try employing the third ball whenever I serve short backspins in most of the singles matches I play.The idea is to serve it down the line , push the other guy to one side of the table and pivot to  attack with a strong return to the other side on the third ball.All looks good in the mind but when I try to implement it, most of the returns are short again and it becomes too difficult to attack.  Two things, is pivoting wrong in this case and should I stop it as most of the times the return comes to the side I have pivoted to, and secondly, as from your videos, should I mix backspins with no spin serves?

Thanks a lot, would appreciate a video for the first one.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year, btw! :)

Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Mohit,

Take a look at the previous question we have on Lefty service return.  The same principle applies here.  The ball is swinging away from your forehand side.

Once you take a look at it let me know if you have any queries.

Regarding the 3rd ball, try to serve the ball faster.  It can still be short but it needs to be faster.  This will hit their bat faster and make it harder for them to control the ball short.

You can certainly also vary between backspin and no spin to get the higher returns that you can attack.

I would keep looking for the opportunity to attack.  You could also consider developing your backhand topspin so that you don't need to pivot and can cover the table easier.