Serving From Far Away

Serving

jean Unknown Asked 15 years ago

Can i serve far away from the table? is that legal to do?

Jeff Plumb Answered 15 years ago

Hi Jean,

It certainly is legal to serve far away from the table. The problem with that though is that when your opponent returns the ball you will not be in a good position. It is much better to serve from a normal serving position and ensure you are ready to play the next ball.

I have seen some people try this in lower levels of competition but I have never seen a serious player attempt this in a match.

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Serving fast in competition Hurricane 3

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Thoughts on this question (2)

McRey Banderlipe II Posted 14 years ago

I am doing the service using forehand at a distance 50% more than the normal distance from the table. Somehow, it worked because it resulted to a faster spin and the height of the ball when crossing the net was kept at the minimum, so it will be very difficult for the opponent to attack it right away. Not to mention that the second bonce usually touches close to the net or to the edge, making it difficult to make a counter spin. I can make the necessary adjustments back to the table. My challenge is to keep on maintaining the ball at this height and to make sure that I can adjust my position immediately for the third ball.

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 14 years ago
Hi McRey,
The problems will always be getting into a good position to make the next ball well and allowing your opponent too much time to see the spin and direction of the ball.
If you are away from the table your opponent has a lot of time to see firstly the direction and then also to be able to judge the spin on the ball by the flight. The spin will wear off over a longer distance as well.

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