Should defenders use the pendulum serve

Michael Colbourn Asked 6 years ago

I am learning to become a modern defender and have also been trying to learn the pendulum serve. But I am wondering if the pendulum serve is such a good serve for defenders to use as it can open up the whole table to an attacking opponent. At the recent Australian Open in Geelong I noticed the female choppers almost always seemed to serve short backspin/sidespin from a position near the centre of the table - is this the better way to go with learning new serves rather than persevere with the pendulum serve? 

Alois Rosario Answered 6 years ago

Hi Michael,

Glad you gained from watching the Australian Open.

I think for defenders it is really important to get central to the table after the serve to set themselves up to be able to cover the next shot easily.  Some defenders will use the Pendulum serve a lot but still be in position quickly enough to be able to cover the table.  It also allows them to make a 3rd ball when their opponent gives them a higher return.  

However, if you feel more comfortable with the backhand or other serve from near the middle of the table that is also fine.  You could try doing the Pendulum from the centre if you like.

Don't be too tied to the Pendulum serve if you aren't feeling comfortable with it or you think it isn't giving you any advantage.  Experiment with other serves and see how they feel.